A brilliant hat-trick from Craig Davies saw off Bristol Rovers as Stockport re-affirmed their play-off credentials with a 3-1 win.

Striker too hot to handle for Rovers

A brilliant hat-trick from Craig Davies saw off Bristol Rovers as Stockport re-affirmed their play-off credentials with a 3-1 win. Davies' double strike was the highlight of an entertaining and lively first half, the striker opening his account shortly before the half-hour when he smashed home from eight yards after good work from Tommy Rowe. Rovers hit back to level matters after 40 minutes when Jo Kuffour headed the ball down and Craig Disley curled home a superb left-footed shot from 20 yards. However, Stockport regained the lead in first-half stoppage-time when Anthony Pilkington crossed from the left and Davies powered home a header past a stranded Steve Phillips in goal. Rowe came within a whisker of scoring Stockport's third five minutes from time, but his left-footed shot from distance flew inches past a post. The home fans were not left disappointed, though, as Davies duly completed his hat-trick in injury time when he found the roof of the net from inside the area.