STOCKBRIDGE returned to winning ways on a crazy afternoon in North Hampshire which saw 14 goals fly in, nine of which were from the Robins.

On an artificial pitch at Everest Academy, there was no shortage of action in the opening stages.

Stockbridge went a goal up inside the opening three minutes when Luke Neal latched onto a ball over the top to slot home his tenth goal of the season. (0-1)

It took moments for the hosts to draw level. Wilson in the Stockbridge goal tipped a rising shot over the bar, but from the following corner Jack Smith nodded home. (1-1)

Stockbridge then regained the lead on 10 minutes when Chris Pye made the most of the Hook goalkeepers’ indecision, prodding home a teasing through ball. (1-2)

The Robins made it 1-3 soon after again when Pye headed home a Josh Graham cross.

In the 21st minute Hook reduced the deficit when a deep cross found Ben Morris to squeeze home at the back post.  (2-3)

The small pitch was almost certainly playing a part in the high scoring with Hook’s long throw a particular threat, but the Robins restored their two-goal cushion on 37 minutes through Sam Payne’s fantastic low drive from the edge of the area. (2-4)

If any of the 30 or so in attendance thought the second half was going to be any less exciting than the first, then they were proven wrong inside the first two minutes.

Hook were awarded a penalty after a trip in the box and the spot kick was tucked away well by Stephens. (3-4)

As if it was a game of basketball, the Robins responded instantly again through Pye, who secured his hat-trick with a clincal finish from a cutback. (3-5)

On the hour mark Payne looked to have finally put the result beyond doubt when he got Stockbridge’s sixth and his second, turning and firing home inside the box. (3-6)

Almost ten minutes passed without another goal until Hook again threatened a comeback when Wilson came out of his area to clear a through ball, his clearance was smashed against the Hook number 9 and the rebound found the back of the net without the striker knowing much about it. (4-6)

On 70 minutes Pye got his fourth with a wonderful strike that thundered in off the bar. (4-7)

He quickly followed up his fourth with a fifth that showcased the Robins’ top scorer’s clinical nature in front of goal. (4-8)

Hook’s defensive frailty didn’t stop them from attacking in numbers and they scored a well worked cutback on 81 minutes through McNab. (5-8)

There was still time for one last goal and it was a moment to forget for the Hook number one as Graham’s looping cross slipped through his gloves and into the back of the net, rounding off a breathless afternoon. (5-9)