First-half hat-trick from Punjab United’s top scorer Jack Hopkins inspires incredible 4-3 win at Larkfield & New Hythe as Whitstable Town, Hollands & Blair, Phoenix Sports and Corinthian get victories

Punjab United edged a remarkable seven-goal Southern Counties East League Premier Division match at play-off occupants Larkfield & New Hythe on Saturday.

Top scorer Jack Hopkins, who moved Chipie Sian’s side into the FA Vase semi-final with the goal in their 1-0 home win over Downton seven days earlier, bagged a 27-minute hat-trick.

But efforts from forwards Kesna Clarke and Tyler Ibe cut the visitors’ half-time lead down to one goal.

Punjab midfielder Lee Bird made it 4-2 and, although Ibe got his second and a third for Larkfield & New Hythe, it wasn’t enough as it ended 4-3.

It leaves Punjab, sitting 10th, five points behind fifth-placed Erith & Belvedere - but with some five matches in hand on them.

Leaders Whitstable moved another step towards the title and a return to Isthmian League football with a 3-1 victory against Kennington.

Striker Jack Nelson put Jamie Coyle’s men into a half-time advantage, with further goals from midfielder Bradley Schafer and substitute Dean Grant leaving a late Ryan Philpott penalty a mere consolation at Homelands.

Whitstable are now 13 points away from being crowned champions ahead of next weekend’s home match against Erith & Belvedere.

Fourth-placed Bearsted drew 3-3 at Chislehurst Glebe.

Striker Jamie Philpot bagged two for the hosts, including an injury-time leveller, while forward Khavarn Williams was also on target for them in the first half.

Rusthall’s play-off prospects were dealt a blow with a 4-0 loss at Phoenix Sports.

Two goals inside three minutes from Louie Downey and Harry Barnes put Jake Goodman’s visitors in control before Jamarie Brissett and substitute Lyle Della-Verde - with an injury-time penalty - wrapped things up.

It was a similar story for Snodland, who suffered