HAT-TRICK hero Dan Mason felt Sholing were close to their best after comfortably despatching Newport IoW 3-0 at the Universal Stadium on Saturday.

The forward felt a convincing Sydenhams Premier win was just what the doctor ordered after the Boatmen had scraped through their midweek Hampshire Senior Cup tie 4-3 against Hamble Club, writes Jack Prentice.

“That was a good game, just what we needed after a couple of past performances,” smiled Mason.

“Today we clicked as a team, we moved it well and I did my bit when the chances came to me.”

Mason had scored 11 braces since his last hat-trick for the Boatmen and put the upturn in form down to a desire to improve.

“I’ve been working on little parts of my game and, when the team clicks like today, you’ll always get chances. I just have to be there to finish them,” he said.

While Dan, the youngest of three Masons in the Sholing side, took the post-match plaudits, all eyes were on big brother Barry before kick-off as club director Trevor Lewis presented him with a plaque for making 500 appearances in his tenth season at the club.

Barry had reached that landmark away at Bournemouth Poppies the previous weekend and bounced off the bench on Saturday to make it 501, winning the penalty for Dan to complete his hat-trick.

“The penalty was good play from Bazza, he spun him and got wiped out. I just took my opportunity,” said Dan.

“Barry with fresh legs is one of the worst things for defenders. It would only be worse if they faced Marv (speedy winger Marvin McLean) like that!”

Mason was keen to emphasise the big part Sholing’s defence played in a victory that lifted them third in the table.

“We build from the back and it is a good foundation to get forward,” he stressed. “Without them keeping clean sheets, we won’t win many matches.”

The Boatmen return to action tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm) at home to AFC Portchester, who exited the FA Vase 2-0 at Lyndney Town.

Both sides ended the game with ten men – Joe Noakes getting his marching orders for Graham Rix's Royals. Matt Vining took his Fawley AFC goal tally up to eight in Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Hamworthy United.

Super sub Zac Willis was also on target for the 13th-placed Oilers who tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45) visit Bemerton Heath.

The Harlequins cantered to a 3-0 FA Vase win over Longwell Green Sports courtesy of Connor Doe (2) and sub Jon Blake.