Josh Magennis got 2017 off to a perfect start when he scored the first hat-trick of his career as Charlton Athletic swept aside Bristol Rovers 4-1 at the Valley yesterday.
The 25-year-old, who joined the Addicks from Kilmarnock last August, now has eight goals this season and Charlton boss Karl Robinson was full of praise for the former goalkeeper turned goal poacher: "It was the big man's answer to cap it off like he did," said Robinson.
"What people may not have seen is that in the second half he ran back 70 yards with their midfield player and made a tackle.
"He looked dead on his feet, I was going to take him off but he looked at me and said ‘don’t you dare!’ He wanted the applause!"
Meanwhile in the Premier League, headed goals from Chris Brunt and Gareth McAuley helped West Bromwich Albion to a 3-1 victory over Hull City at the Hawthorns.
Midfielder Brunt scored his second of the season right at the start of the second-half to take his career tally for the Baggies to a very creditable 44.
International colleague Gareth McAuley then put Tony Pulis' side ahead with his fifth of the campaign thanks to goal-line technology which confirmed his header had crossed line. "It was a good half inch over the line," claimed the Larne-born central defender.
"The ref mentioned that without the technology it probably wouldn't have been given, so of course I am thankful.
"The delivery from set-pieces from the lads is fantastic, we look at things and work out areas to hit. If the delivery is right it always gives you a chance to get something on it and we make no apologies for scoring goals in that way."
The only sour note for Baggies fans though was that Jonny Evans had to leave the field injured after just half-an-hour of the clash with struggling Hull.
Finally in League Two Billy Kee made it two in two games for Accrington Stanley after netting the opening goal in their 2-2 home draw with Hartlepool United.
