JACK McCarthy scored a hat-trick as Whitchurch United came out on top in a nine goal thriller as they won at Fawley 5-4.

This was despite the home side taking the lead after 15 minutes, but the Jam Boys were soon back on level terms thanks to Andre Manders.

Scott Hassell then fired them in front after 35 minutes and this is how it stayed to the break.

After the interval, the game plan was to score first after the interval and then control the game, Whitchurch did the first part easily as McCarthy scored after 50 minutes.

However, at this point the visitors the decide to sit back on their lead and the home side took full advantage as they made it 3-2.

This spurred Whitchurch back into life and McCarthy with his second looked to have won the game as he restored a two goal lead.

However, once again the Jam Boys allowed Fawley back into the game, as they scored twice to make it 4-4 with a minute left.

Then in added on time a ball over the top was chased by McCarthy, which forced a home defender to head back to his goalkeeper.

Unfortunately, he did not get enough on to ball and McCarthy ran onto it and slotted past the Fawley goalie for the winner.

The victory moved the Jam Boys up to 17th in the Wessex League Premier Division table.

It was a frustrating afternoon in the dug out for manager Carl Bennett.

The Jam Boys boss said: "We could have scored double figures and Danny Phillips could have got himself a hat-trick. We have just became too negative once we started winning, we have to learn to put games to bed."

Tonight, Whitchurch are at home to Laverstock and Ford in the Wessex League Cup

Looking ahead to their visit to high flyers Blackfield and Langley on Saturday, Bennett said: "We have played well against the better sides this season. I believe this side can compete with the best so I am looking forward to the game."

Next Wednesday the Jam Boys entertain QK Southampton in the Andover Open Cup.