Young midfielder Akiel Raffie managed to get a hat-trick of assists on Tuesday evening for his loan side, Nantwich Town, as they overcame Stalybridge Celtic 5-1 away from home.
On his 18th birthday, Raffie started the league clash at Bower Fold and quickly made his mark on the game by causing problems down the right-wing from the first whistle.
Nantwich found themselves a goal up just six minutes into the game when Raffie stormed down the wing and played in a cross, which was cleared only to Joe Robbins, who fired home his first of three on the night. Jake Bickerstaff added a second before half-time straight after Stalybridge pulled the game level on the half-hour mark.
Not long after the second half started, Robbins netted his second of the night, and he had Raffie to thank for it as he worked his way past the left-back once again, with his cross finding the feet f the forward who refiled his effort into the top corner. The problems continued for Stephen Brogan at left-back for Stalybridge as he brought down the young Cod on the hour-mark and received a red card for the tackle.
After Raffie aimed an effort on goal himself, trying to score one for himself in the game, he instead played provider for the third time in the game. He linked up once again with Robbins and assisted in the same fashion as the first two, earning him a hat-trick of assists in the win.
They then saw the game out at 5-1, with the young midfielder pipped to the man of the match award by the hat-trick hero, Robbins.
Great work, Akiel – keep it up!