The long awaited victory for Millwey Rise eventually arrived and a much-changed team (owing to several departures) fully deserved it as University Fifths were beaten 3-0 in a Macron League Division Four meeting, writes Dick Sturch.

In the opening minutes University were very prominent without actually causing any problems.

It was Millwey with the wind behind them who began exerting pressure on the visitors defence with Nathan Womersley twice going close. Sam Turner and Keith Forsey again combined well to link up defence and attack with some neat inter-play which kept the pressure on the visitors.

After 20 minutes, a Millwey attack was broken up at the expense of a corner and from Womersley’s kick Levi Hoole rose above everyone else to nod it home. In the 22nd minute he increased his tally, and Millwey`s lead, when he got on the end of a pass and swept the ball into the net.

It took him another 10 minutes to complete his hat-trick with a curling free-kick from outside the area and provided ‘Rise’ with a three goal lead at the break.

Playing against the gusting wind in the second half proved quite challenging but Millwey continued to push the ball about but rarely troubled the Univerity’s keeper. The majority of play was in the home side’s half, but Brett Garner in goal was only tested on a few occasion.

The four man defence in front of him consisting of Matt and Haydn Lewis, Alex Rockett and Dan Rowe nullified most of the University attacks.

Twenty minutes into the half Ty Allan and Imran Chowdhury replaced Millwey’s two youngsters Brad Conway and Dan Rowe, who had stepped up into the team and showed they are strong contenders for a permanent place in the squad.

With no further goals Millwey chalked up their long overdue first win of the season much to the delight of manager Dan Murnane.

Hat-trick man Hoole was named Man of the Match by match sponsors Cloakham Lawns Sports Bar.

This was a great performance from a team who have been under some pressure in recent weeks and augurs well for those ahead.

Obviously Levi Hoole’s presence provides the stature and target to alleviate the pressure Millwey’s forwards have previously found themselves under. His natural instinct to score goals is already proven.

On Saturday (November 10), Millwey Rise travel to Black Swan (2.15pm).