BEN BURGESS staked a claim for an immediate return to the starting line up on Saturday with a well taken hat trick in the reserves 5-3 win over Bury on Wednesday afternoon. The big striker was impressive during his 65 minutes and the former Hull front man was unlucky not to have added more to his tally. Speaking after the game Burgess said, "I thought we played quite well, both sides knocked it around well and created plenty of chances."

"I suppose any goal is nice and today was no different, to get three in front of the manager will remind him that I am fit and ready to go, but I know we have plenty of competition and those in the team have done well."

Asked about his fitness Burgess added, "I am fine, I got a kick on the ankle last week in training, it wasn't too serious. Touch wood my hamstring is fine, it is up to me to keep working hard and take the chance when it comes my way."

Matthew Blinkhorn, who will have impressed the various scouts at the game opened the scoring in the opening five minutes with a well taken goal, whilst Jamie Burns rounded off a great move with a sweet finish ten minutes from time.

Pool: Clancy, Goulding, Lawlor, Doughty, Tierney, Burns, Donnelly, Kay, Prendergast, Blinkhorn, Burgess (Ogden 65) Subs Not Used: Metcalfe, Caddick, Smith