LICHFIELD City fell to a disappointing 3-0 home defeat against Wellingborough Town.
Ivor Green’s men found visiting skipper Jack O’Connor in ruthless form as he netted a hat-trick to ensure his side travelled home with all three points firmly tucked away.
There were plenty of early warning signs for City as Wellingborough went on the offensive from the off, with Josh Mansell forced to clear the danger and Jamie Elkes blocking a shot.
Lichfield tried to pose their own attacking threat with Luca Taylor turning well in the box, but being denied by visiting keeper Dean Snedker.
Brendon Bunn was forced to save well to keep out a header to prevent Wellingborough taking the lead, while another effort flew over the bar.
A free-kick flew over Lichfield’s goal as the two sides failed to be separated during the opening 45 minutes.
Jack Edwards saw a shot blocked early in the second half before Taylor also sent a strike over the top.
But it was Wellingborough who got their noses in front first when a corner was cleared, but a second delivery into the area saw O’Connor nod home at the back post just before the hour mark.
The advantage was doubled five minutes later when a free kick again found the head of O’Connor and he managed to find the net once again.
O’Connor wrapped up his ten-minute hat-trick with a third header on 68 minutes.
Bunn tipped an effort over the top as Wellingborough looked to pile more misery on City, while Edwards saw his shot at the other end well saved as Lichfield searched for a way back into it.
Harvey Smith was twice denied by Snedker in the closing stages, but the visiting backline could not be breached as the Trade Tyre Community Stadium suffered a tough day at the office.
