BEN Deacon was unaware that he will enter the record books after scoring one of the quickest hat-tricks in Eastern Counties League history.

Deacon netted a hat-trick in four first-half minutes in Hadleigh United’s 7-3 win at Ipswich Wanderers in the Ridgeons League Cup on September 28, and added another in the second half for good measure.

Mick Blakeman, who wrote ‘The History of the Eastern Counties League’ which was published last year, said: “Player-manager Tommy Savage scored three goals in two minutes for Ely against Yarmouth on 1st October, 1960.

“Neil McAndrew scored three in four minutes, also for Ely, away to Bury Town Reserves on 12th November, 1994 so as we don’t have times down to seconds, Ben Deacon can proudly claim to have scored the joint-second fastest hat-trick in ECL history.”

Deacon said: “I was oblivious to that record. Any record is a good self-achievement, regardless of what level it is at or your opponents.”

The 25-year-old striker, who has scored a hat-trick at each of his previous clubs except Mildenhall Town, recalled his treble for the Premier Division side against their Division One opponents at Humber Doucy Lane.

“The first one was a diving header; the second one was a lob over the keeper when I was one-on-one and for the third I cut inside from the left and curled it inside the far post with my right foot.”

Deacon scored 22 goals, including 19 in the Ridgeons League, for the Brettsiders last season, and is on course to better that this season.

“I have got 12 goals so far this season, and it is not yet Christmas, so hopefully if I can get a few more I can push towards the late twenties this season.”

It has been a difficult start to the season for all concerned at the Millfield due to an unprecedented catalogue of injuries plus losing players to suspension.

“We have struggled as a team so far, but we have still got quality players at the club. We need to get our injured players back as soon as possible and get a settled side.

“I am now in my mid-20s and hitting my peak, so I will be looking to continue to score as many goals as I can as we hopefully climb the table.

“We finished ninth last season and I would like to think we can push up the table this season and then look to finish in the top six next year.”