York City win 5-0 as Ollie Pearce scores a hat-trick for the Minstermen

York City took on Braintree Town at the weekend in the National League, with the hosts looking to build on their midweek away win against Carlisle United.

York travelled away from home on Wednesday and won 3-0 against Mark Hughes' side, who prior to their league meeting with the Minstermen, were third in the table.

A win would keep City top of the table, but second-place Rochdale have three games in hand over the side. The hosts got off to an electric start, with the league's top scorer netting after only six minutes. Ollie Pearce scored his and York's first goal of the game, in what was an enjoyable afternoon for Stuart Maynard's team.

Greg Olley scored his third league goal of the season after 18 minutes, doubling York's lead over Braintree Town. Within 10 minutes of the second goal going in, the table toppers scored two more.

The third came courtesy of Ollie Pearce, while the fourth goal was scored by 30-year-old midfielder Hiram Boateng. After 28 minutes, City had the three points secured and now had to see the game out.

In the second half, Pearce scored his third and York City's fifth of the afternoon, completing his hat-trick on an impressive day for him and the club.

The forward now has 26 league goals in 28 appearances, scoring nine in his last seven. He has 11 more goals than Boreham Wood's Matt Rush, who is second in the National League's golden boot race.

York City are top of the National League by one point, but second-place Rochdale do have three games in hand over the side in first. The Minstermen have not lost a league game since 1 October, showing their dominance in the division. Their next three games are against Solihull Moors, Forest Green Rovers and Hartlepool United, who all sit in the top half of the table.