CALLUM Stewart’s hat-trick condemned Oxford City to their fifth defeat of the season in a 4-1 loss at Leamington.

Zac McEachran forced an early save out of Callum Hawkins, but the Hoops found themselves a goal down just after the half hour mark.

Andre Burley was dispossessed deep in the Leamington half, and George Ward switched the ball to Dan Meredith, who had room to run into and played a one-two with Anthony Lynn, before poking the ball past Rylee Mitchell.

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In the second half, McEachran was found on the edge of the penalty box after Alfie Potter carried the ball forward, but the former saw his shot go just wide of the post. 

McEachran was then played through for a great chance, but he couldn’t place his effort which went off target.

Stewart grabbed his first goal of the night just before the hour mark, when he converted from the penalty spot after Burley had brought him down.

A long ball forward caused the Hoops problems and a mix-up at the back allowed Stewart to tap in with 66 minutes played.

With eight minutes to go, McEachran got on the scoresheet when a corner fell to him six yards out, and he was able to apply the finish.

Josh Ashby had an effort fly just past the upright as the Hoops sought an unlikely route back into the game, but the home side restored their three-goal advantage in the 90th minute, as Stewart completed his hat-trick.