Mersey Valley got themselves back into the promotion picture with a brilliant controlled victory over Hartford in their first league game in December.

There were three debutants in the team, Lewis Price starting and two exciting youngsters Jimmy Taafe and Charlie Hough named on the bench after joining for the rest of the season from National League side Altrincham.

Price, the former Denton Town man wasted no time giving the home side the lead on 9 minutes after a corner.

The visitors hit back with their first attack, poor marketing from the midfield gave Gallimore all the space he needed to equalise.

The game was fast and furious as the home side took the lead again, Adams with a powerful header over the top for Woolley to pick up and curl a beauty past the keeper.

Ewan Roach made it 3-1 just before half-time

The home side dominated and got their reward with two more goals before half-time. Roach headed home after more good work by Adams and then Woolley grabbed his second, this time a powerful right footed drive after good work by Howarth.

Woolley completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after a handball. The game was scrappy in the second half, a number of substitutions didn’t help the flow of the game but was great to see debuts for Taafe and Hough who both played well when they came on.

Hartford grabbed a late goal to make it 5-2 and the woodwork was hot twice as Valley went close for more goals.

Results in other games meant it was back into second place for Mersey Valley with more big games coming up.

FT: Mersey Valley 5 Hartford 2