SCOTT Joyce’s hat-trick sent Alresford Town tumbling out of the Sydenhams League Cup on Saturday.

Brockenhurst’s experienced striker proved too big a handful for the Premier Division basement boys as the Badgers triumphed 3-0 at a wet and dismal Arlebury Park.

Alresford’s makeshift defensive duo of Ben Dexter and Ben Stanbrook were given a torrid time, starting on eight minutes when Joyce shook off Dexter’s challenge. Despite the attentions of Adam Carrick, he managed to round 'keeper Mike Weatherall and slot in the opener from a tight angle.

Rian Jima-Otero’s hopes of a Magpies equaliser were snuffed out when the referee spotted an infringement and disallowed his 15th-minute header.

And, come the 23rd minute, Alresford fell further behind when Joyce rampaged through the middle again, getting the wrong side of Stanbrook and beating the advancing Weatherall.

A penalty, awarded when Simon Everett’s drive from distance struck Jake Long’s arm, looked to have given Alresford a lifeline. But Badgers 'keeper Callum Maher diverted Brian Howard’s kick around the post and on 55 minutes Joyce clinically completed his hat-trick from Ryan Long’s nod-on.

Alresford must now pick themselves up ready to host second-placed Andover in the Sydenhams Premier tomorrow (Tuesday). They will be looking to bank their first league points since early September.