Hat-trick hero Gibbs fires Corinthians past Totternhoe

Although the scoreline flattered them, Corries had good shape defensively and battled hard all game – giving no quarter – and had a superlative second half hat-trick from four-goal Trevor Gibbs to thank for the win.

Corries took the lead on three minutes when Howe interlinked with Wheeler-King, who embarked on a lung-busting run into the box before being upended. Gibbs smashed home the resulting penalty for 1-0.

Totternhoe then got on top but, led by an excellent display from centre-half Rob Lear, but failed to create a chance of note.

Tring composed themselves and came again. A Humphreys lob struck the bar but they were not to be denied for long as Humphreys pressed and harried to free the hard-working Ben Alcock to finish with aplomb for 2-0.

Again, Corries were on the defensive for much of the second half – but Lewis Elliot and Dan Smethers were combative in midfield – shielding the back four well.

On 70 minutes, Gibbs began his one man show. Byrne, Humphreys and Alcock combined in a flowing move, Gibbs was released on the right and, from the corner of the box, released an astonishing drive into the roof of the net past a startled keeper for his second of the game.

Five minutes later, Gibbs collected the ball in midfield and jinked and darted. The defence backpedalled - fearful, and Gibbs cracked one from the edge of the box into the top corner of the net for his hat-trick.

It didn’t stop there. Byrhne and Wheeler-King linked up and Wheeler-King unleashed a sizzler of a cross that Gibbs met with his head to make it 5-0.

Corries must now redouble their efforts and guard against complacency when they face Loughton on Saturday.

Corinthians: Adamson, West (Wills), Wheeler-King, Elliot, Lear, Miles, Alcock, Myatt (Smethers), Humphreys, Gibbs, Howe (Byrne). Subs not used - Jary, Lowe.