The win, also returned the Strikers to winning ways after their season’s unbeaten run was interrupted with two consecutive losses in previous weeks.

Willis was merciless. He dismantled the Belnorth defence, scoring two goals within the first 15 minutes.

He completed the first-half with a cool, calm and collected hat-trick to help the Strikers to a 4-0 half time lead.

“Everything just clicked in the first 15 minutes,” Willis said.

“They were a bit slow off the mark and we are pretty pacey guys, so after those first two goals I think we knew we were on our way to a good win.”

Coach Robin Caulfield was more than happy to see his team back on the winner’s sheet. After last week’s surprise loss to the UC Pumas, the Englishman gave some tough love to get his team back on track.

“When the other team put in more effort then us, it was unacceptable” Caulfield said of the week before.

“But this week, to their credit they responded and I couldn’t fault in any of them. And I exaggerate you not, but we could have easily put on another six goals if we had taken our chances.”

Caulfield was impressed with the “excellent” way his star striker had linked up with midfielders Josh Phelps and Sam Taylor.

But it was young debutant goal keeper Stephen Schofield who was the biggest surprise of the day.

The 14-year-old budding goal-keeper had stepped to the challenge of Strikers first grade after Ben Gooch suffered an injury falling off a horse.

The youngster rose to the challenge, making a spectacular save in the firsthalf and almost saving a penalty shot in the second.

“He had a lot more confidence and enthusiasm coming up from our reserve grade. Which was great to see because confidence is vital for a goal keeper,” Caulfield said.

The coach also praised Matt Ryan and Kirby Schofield as having their best games of the season so far in the win.

However it wasn’t all smiles, despite a strong first half, the Striker reserves fell 4-0 to Belnorth fourth grade.

The side now look to a tough away task in Burns FC this coming weekend.

“We’re sitting second on the ladder now with a game in hand, but every team in the top four can take out the minor premiership,” Willis said.

“So we’ll have to put in a good showing. Every game is must win from now on.”

Striker 7 defeated Belnorth 2

Goals: Brody Willis 4, Josh Phelps 1, Ben Hartin 1, Matt Ryan 1.