FORMER York student Rachel Daly scored a 19-minute hattrick last night to see Aston Villa Women's pick up three points in the FA Women's League Cup group stages.
Daly was in red hot form as Aston Villa picked up their first victory of the season over Sheffield United Women, with the Villains cruising to a comfortable 5-0 victory.
The former York student was the star of the show, scoring the opener in the seventh minute from the spot after Adriana Leon was upended within the box.
Just two minutes later Daly had doubled her tally and Villa's lead, latching onto a teasing cross from Leon before powering an effort past Eleanor Heeps, and putting the visitors in the driving seat.
It was almost deja vu in the 26th minute, with another brilliant cross from Leon finding a lurking Daly within the box, who was able to complete a 19-minute hattrick with another prolific finish past Heeps.
Daly was substituted and handed a well-earned rest at the half-time break, being replaced by Lauren Mullett after an instrumental display.
Villa did add two more goals to their collection with strikes from Ebony Summer on the half-an-hour mark, before Danielle Turner capped off a dominant victory for Aston Villa in the 56th minute with another composed finish.
It puts an end to an unwanted run of five consecutive defeat in the Barclays Women's Super League, and sees Daly and Aston Villa pick up their first victory of the season.
Aston Villa are now positioned in third position, having played one less game than everybody else, in the League Cup on three points, with only Durham and Sunderland ahead of the Ladies.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here