JAMES Wakeling hopes striker Nathan Scarborough has rediscovered his potent form after scoring a hat-trick in Hullbridge Sports’ 5-2 win over Enfield.

Scarborough, who had been frustrated in front of goal in recent weeks, came off the bench and hit the back of the net on three occasions as Sports came from behind to move to within a point of Essex Senior League leaders Stansted.

Greg Frederick and Joe Wright were also on target at the Harlow Arena and Hullbridge assistant manager Wakeling - who was calling the shots from the dugout as boss Darren Manning continues to serve a stadium ban - has backed Scarborough to put Southend Manor to the sword in an exciting local derby this weekend.

“Scarbs was having a bit of a dry spell in front of goal before scoring a hat-trick against Enfield,” said Wakeling.

“He started the game on the bench and I asked him to go on and make an impact when we made the change in the first half, but I didn’t expect him to go on and score three goals.

“It was nice for him to get the hat-trick and he will be full of confidence now.

“He will be thinking that he can go and do it again in the weeks to come and that is perfect timing for us with seven big games left.”

Although Sports triumphed against Enfield, they were made to do it the hard way after going behind twice.

Enfield took the lead inside the first minute of the encounter, only for Scarborough to equalise.

However, Enfield restored their advantage and looked to be on course for a victory which would have hindered Hullbridge’s title hopes.

But four goals in the space of six minutes allowed Sports to remain on course for top spot due to having a game in hand over current table-toppers Stansted.

And Wakeling admitted the quickfire comeback left him in shock.

“We started very slowly and that was frustrating because we knew they were going to come at us from the very start,” added the Sports assistant manager.

“I went to watch Enfield last week and they were quick out of the blocks, so I warned the players about that.

“But we conceded after 40 seconds and that already gets the game off to the worst possible start from our point of view.

“Scarbs scored and then they went 2-1 ahead, so you start to think that it’s going to be one of those nights.

“But then we managed to win the game by scoring four goals in the space of six second half minutes and I am still baffled as to how it happened.”