Hat-trick hero Jay delighted to hit target

HAT-TRICK hero Matt Jay was left delighted by his first career treble, the three points, and smashing his 15 goals for the season target.

The 25-year-old has now netted 16 times this season for Exeter City after the three goals in the 4-0 thrashing of Leyton Orient.

His first came after a howler from goalkeeper Laurence Vigouroux, who allowed a 25 yard shot to squirm through him, although the ball did swerve a lot, before Jay grabbed his second just before half-time, tapping in from close range after Joel Randall had hit the post.

Randall, who had set City on their way with the first goal, was then brought down in the box early in the second half, and Jay stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to complete his first ever senior hat-trick

“I am absolutely delighted with my first hat-trick and it was nice to do it at home and good to get the win,” the academy product said.

Prior to Saturday Jay had only scored twice in 14 games - one a penalty - and he added: “It had been a bit dry spell so it’s nice to pick up and get back to where I was earlier in the season. You have to be in the right place and I have been trying to get in the box more, and have been working hard and it was nice to get back on the scoresheet today

“I have been trying my hardest and hope it comes across but it has just not been falling for us, but I was delighted to get three and it’s a dream come true.

“I set a target of goals and I’ve already over done it, but I just want to keep getting better as I am enjoying my football so much at the moment. I try and give all I can and make myself more selectable and I have improved a lot, and I know they believe in me.”

On his penalty, which sealed the hat-trick, Jay said: “I just wanted to see it hit the back of the net and I am just delighted. I practice them and love seeing it hit the back of the net and for the hat-trick as well, I was really pleased.”

Jay now wants to hit 20 league goals before the end of the season - he has 14 now with two in the cups - and with 15 games to go, there will be chances to achieve that goal, starting with the trip to Scunthorpe United tomorrow.

City are eighth in the table, but have cut the gap on those above them to just one point, and victories in their games in hand could see them rise to fourth

Jay added: “We want to go on a run now, and this could be a good week for us. We just want to be in and around the top clubs and then hope we can catch up with them later on. We played some stuff today and the pitch was a lot better and it showed we are able to do a lot more.”