MANAGER Chris Cornes' decision to play hat-trick hero Dylan Hart from the start in Tuesday night's 4-1 win at Lydney Town was one that certainly paid off for Worcester City.

Hart, who was kept on the bench in City's last two league wins, was held back specifically for Lydney according to Cornes and that selection proved decisive as the striker scored a brilliant trio of goals to send City three points clear at the top of the Hellenic League Premier.

"He (Hart) was hit and miss at the start of the season with little injuries here and there and we have taken our time getting him back involved because he does carry knocks," said Cornes.

"But he's been brilliant. He has been out of the team for two games but I thought this was a game for Dylan after the report I got on Lydney.

"I thought it was the game for him and obviously it was. He scored three great goals.

"He needs to be a bit better on the ball at times in our own half but the three finishes are brilliant and they came at good moments in the game for us."

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City were crusing after a dominant first-half saw them lead 3-0 at the break. Hart scored two headers in quick succession before half-time, adding to captain Adam Mace's opener.

Lydney came back into the game in the second-half as City took their foot off the gas but Hart completed his hat-trick to secure a routine away victory with ten minutes to play.

"These can be tough places to come," admitted Cornes. "When the lads have been at work all day and then have an hour-and-a-half trip to a game, you just have to keep the ball rolling and the wins coming. 

"It's another three points on the board and that's what you take from it. There were a load of positives.

"We have hit the bar, hit the post, the keeper has made some good saves but ultimately we were good value for the win.

"We took our foot off the gas second-half, which wasn't pleasing at times but I think the lads are trying to have a bit of a rest on the pitch at the same time.

"We have had a lot of games and it's mentally stressful for the lads so you cannot always complain about taking the foot off the gas a little bit, that's football.

"Ultimately we got the result and that's the main thing."