McBookie Super League First Division

BLANTYRE VICS 1

GIRVAN 6

by Matt Speirs

HAT-trick hero Robert Paterson helped Girvan bounced back from their Scottish Cup defeat with a resounding victory in Lanarkshire.

The opening goal arrived in four minutes, Paterson spotting the goalie off his line and lifting the ball the ball over his head and into the net.

Andy Stevenson had the ball in the net two minutes later but was ruled offside. Not to be denied, however he scored in the next minute, netting from six yards from a Steven McCreadie free-kick.

Blantyre were back in the match in 10 minutes when a defensive mistake allowed the home striker to net.

Girvan restored their two goal advantage in 25 minutes when Andy Stevenson set up Paterson who shot across the keeper and into the net.

Paterson, who was causing all sorts of problems for the Blantyre defence, was pulled down in the penalty area and McCreadie made no mistake from the spot-kick.

Two minutes from the interval it was almost five as Paterson's shot hit the outside of the post and glanced wide.

Blantyre had a chance to pull a goal back in 58 minutes, but a corner-kick into the box was turned high over the bar.

David Jardine was introduced to the game in 64 minutes and a minute later he lifted a free-kick over the wall and into the net.

Five minutes from the end substitute Michael Reilly squared the ball to Paterson who netted to complete his treble.

GIRVAN: Johnston, Mossie, Doolan, McCreadie, Frame, Dinwoodie, Cameron, McDowall, Stevenson, Paterson, Murphy. Subs: Reilly, Jardine, Cunningham, Reid, Auld.