A LUKE Harris hat-trick put Caldicot Town on course for a happy Christmas with a 3-2 win away at Croesyceiliog.

The victory – town's second in two weeks – puts them five points clear of the relegation places with games in hand over their rivals.

With matches all over South Wales called off because of waterlogged pitches the heavy going had looked problematic for both teams.

But after weathering an early Croesy storm it was Caldicot who went ahead after just 12 minutes.

Collecting the ball on the right hand edge of the Croesy area Harris cut in and curled a spectacular left-footed shot into the top corner to give the visitors the lead.

Missing key players Kojo Ofori through suspension, Samir Misbah to injury and Dave Jenkins to work commitments, a new-look Town side showed great commitment to maintain their advantage as the home side looked to bounce straight back.

And they were rewarded on 35 minutes when Harris doubled the lead with his second goal of the game – a low shot squeezing past a flailing Croesy 'keeper who should have done better.

But the tide began to turn just five minutes later as the home side hit back through Jody Jenkins.

At the other end Ryan Tranter could have scored a third for Caldicot almost immediately but was thwarted by an impressive save.

And the missed opportunity was to prove costly as Zac Osborne restored parity at the break with a well-timed run and finish.

With the momentum in their favour Croesy came out to vocal support from the home crowd.

But it was Caldicot who seemed most rejuvenated by the re-start, forcing three corners in the first five minutes of the second-half.

From the last of these they were unlucky not to regain the lead when a header from Mitchell Slape struck an upright.

At the other end Town 'keeper Gareth Williams nearly gifted Croesy a goal when he dropped a cross before recovering well. He also had to be at his best with a couple of superb reaction saves as the half wore on.

But despite looking dangerous the home side were unable to convert their chances. And they were left to rue their wastefulness when Harris sealed his hat-trick and all three points on 65 minutes.

Closing down a defender on the left edge of the Croesy box, Harris blocked the clearance before seizing on the loose ball. Making a beeline for goal he feinted to curl the ball in right-footed before calmly slotting it under the keeper with his left to cap a memorable performance.

Although Croesy repeatedly threatened during the last 35minutes Caldicot's effort and determination saw them hang on for a deserved win.

They now face bottom-side Aberbargoed Buds at home on Wednesday December 21 in the hope of taking a third successive win into the Christmas break. Kick-off is at 7.45pm