GARETH Rowe scored a hat-trick in the cup on Saturday as Alsager ran riot against a stunned Abbey Hulton.

Alsager were only 1-0 up at the break in their away league cup second round clash, but went on a goals spree in the second half to run out 7-0 victors.

Wayne Brotherton gave Alsager the lead on 25 minutes, and Rowe made it 2-0 10 minutes into the second half.

Midfielder Kenny Lawton smashed in a free kick from 35 yards for the third, and Ben Biddulph broke away for the fourth in the 75th minute.

Rowe scored his second to make it 5-0, midfielder Steve Brown scored Alsager's sixth, and Rowe completed his hat-trick with his side's seventh.

"We're really playing well at the moment, and it's going to take a good side to beat us,'' said Alsager boss Steve Booth.

His squad will be back to full strength this weekend with the return of four players who have been out through injuries and suspensions.

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