JORDAN Williams scored a hat-trick inside 12 first-half minutes during an emphatic victory that sent Northwich Victoria back to the Division One North table’s summit.

In a one-sided opening period, Vics led 5-0 after less than half an hour with the attacker, signed in the summer from league rivals Burscough, claiming three of the goals.

Struggling Droylsden, beaten in four of their previous five league matches, simply had no reply.

Richie Bennett had already hit the crossbar with a header before Williams put the visitors ahead, punishing goalkeeper Craig Ellison’s indecision.

A second goal followed, this time when the wide man fired with power past the Bloods’ number one.

He completed a quick-fire hat-trick with a cool left-footed finish after goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe’s long punt forward landed in his path.

It was 4-0 when Ryan Astles’ thumping header converted Jimmy Ball’s cross following a short corner, then Iain Howard’s cute finish provided a decorative flourish to a fine team move.

Brandon Zibaka’s close-range header, from Fernando Moke’s cross, was a consolation for Droylsden even as early as the 33rd minute.

Williams missed a chance to increase his personal tally when he headed over from Alex Byrne’s centre, while at the other end substitute Dan Parkinson prompted Springthorpe to save.

Jim Gannon’s side completed the scoring with a quarter of an hour left when substitute Josh Amis steered Williams’ cross past Ellison.

And the former Witton Albion goalkeeper was called into action again with time running out, diverting Williams’ low drive.

Vics, who visit Lancaster in the FA Trophy this weekend, are two points clear of closest rivals Glossop North End with a game in hand.

Droylsden | Ellison (GK), Haynes, Grimshaw, Dryden, Wood, Clarke-Adams (Cooper 36), Pino, Rouse, Zibaka, Koral (Cregg 73), Moke (Parkinson 56) Subs not used Ting, Dominic Smith Goal Zibaka 33 Booked Rouse
 
Vics | Springthorpe (GK), Byrne, Duxbury, Krou, Clarke, Astles, Ball, Roddy, Bennett (Amis 66), Howard (Spencer 76), Williams (Langford 76) Subs not used Dane Smith (GK), Welsby Goals Williams 5, 7, 17 Astles 24, Howard 26, Amis 75

Referee Ian Johnston

Attendance 125