Colchester 4 Port Vale 1

Last updated : 01 March 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Gareth Williams made it a day to remember for new manager Phil Parkinson as he bagged a hat-trick to seal a big win for Colchester United against fellow strugglers Port Vale.

Parkinson, appointed the new United boss on Tuesday, was understandably delighted to get off to a winning start. In fact, it was the Essex club's biggest win of the season.

Williams, on loan from Crystal Palace, was making only his third start in the league but he showed experience beyond his years with three well-executed goals.

Welshman Williams broke the deadlock on seven minutes with a superb shot on the turn from just outside the penalty area to settle the nerves of the home side.

It was against the run of play when Williams headed the U's two up on 36 minutes. Vale had squandered several chances to equalise before Williams headed home a precise cross from fellow striker Scott McGleish.

Leading scorer Joe Keith netted his eighth goal of the season after a quickly taken free-kick in the 52nd minute but Port Vale gave themselves hope when striker Marc Bridge-Wilkinson hammered home a 25-yard free-kick in the 55th minute.

But Williams made the game safe for Colchester with his third goal on 72 minutes. He squeezed home at the second attempt after his first shot was blocked.

New Colchester manager Parkinson said: "I couldn't have asked for more than this. The players had showed terrific commitment in training all week and they took that forward to the game.

"We rode our luck a little in the first half and I thought we were a little nervous, but we relaxed in the second half and it was a very accomplished performance.

"However, I'll have to keep the players' feet firmly on the ground because we have another big name against Northampton on Tuesday." Williams was the first Colchester player to score a hat-trick in the league for nine years following Steve Brown's treble against Bury in 1994.