BRIAN Matthews scored a second hat-trick of the campaign as Northwich Victoria eased to a comfortable victory over their landlords.

There was little to choose between the teams before the break, save for Vics’ leading goal-scorer meeting Daniel Johnson’s superb cross with a header to put his side in front.

Jack Irlam forced goalkeeper Michael Donlon to save smartly at the other end, while full-back Josh Crofts’ attempt from distance prompted a more routine stop.

However Brandon Moores fluffed the Villagers’ best chance when he dragged wide with only the visitors’ goalkeeper to beat, while captain Jason McShane drilled off-target.

Matthews’ connection with Johnson’s cross was decisive to put his side in front, and he was unlucky when a lobbed effort dropped just too late shortly afterwards.

It was 2-0 early in the second-half when Matthews’ shot was too powerful for Barnton custodian Rob Cooke to stop.

Substitute Olly Walker fired into the side-netting before Matthews’ header glanced the woodwork.

He was not to be denied though, and scored a 23rd goal of the season with another smart finish after Johnson had again played a starring role on the left.

The striker netted three times in a 4-2 win at Padiham in August too.

Oscar Durnin’s beautifully-taken strike then completed the scoring late on.

“Their second goal knocked the stuffing out of us,” rued Barnton manager Steve Lloyd afterwards.

“It’s disappointing we couldn’t capitalise on a solid showing before half-time but Vics deserve credit for going through the gears.”

Barnton | Cooke (GK), Crofts, James McShane (Houghton 63), Riley, Mannion, Yearsley, Malone, Jason McShane, Moores, Bandell, Irlam Subs not used Kiernan (GK), Kavanagh, Smith

Vics | Donlon (GK), Clarke, Lawrence, Barski, Johnson, Willis (Shinks 82) Bennett (Grant 77), Bickett, Gorman (Walker 36), Durnin, Matthews Subs not used none Goals Matthews 36, 49, 68 Durnin 73

Attendance 166