6 of the best hat-tricks in The Football League

Leon McKenzie – Northampton 3 – 4 Hereford (16/10/10)

mckenzieLeon McKenzie has been around a bit, even before his time at Northampton, but even he will be struggling to remember a game as crazy as this one.

In October 2010 Northampton played host to Hereford in a basement battle at the bottom of League 2, with Hereford propping up the table and the Cobblers just outside – a six pointer in anyone’s eyes. Things started well for the home side, as McKenzie grabbed his first with a header after poor goalkeeping. ‘Keeper Adam Bartlett was at fault again as he fumbled for the veteran’s second. Just before the break a poor back pass allowed the ex-Norwich man to claim the match ball. A great first half effort which should see Northampton claim the three points right? Think again.

Just four minutes into the second half Cobblers’ manager Ian Sampson pulls McKenzie off, protecting the striker from injury. The hat-trick hero was probably still enjoying his post-match bath and getting the champagne on ice when Hereford got one back on the hour mark. When Stuart Fleetwood notched his second of the game to claw it back to 3-2 the signs were looking ominous. James McQuilkin’s curler levelled, then Mathieu Manset completed the turnaround with 12 minutes remaining. Hereford had completed the turnaround under the guidance of Physio turned caretaker manager Jamie Pitman.

The whole of Sixfields was in a state of shock, in what was a bitter-sweet day for Mckenzie as he collected the match ball in a literal game of two halves.

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