CRAIG Redgate was Knypersley Vics' hat-trick hero on Saturday, although his side left it late before sealing victory over Cradely Town.

The Vics took an early lead in their 3-1 home win, but had to wait until 13 minutes from time for their second.

Cradely gave themselves a glimmer of hope with a goal four minutes from the end, only for Knypersley to seal victory from the restart.

The Vics had a scare after just five minutes when keeper Dalloway kicked a back pass to Cradely striker Hughes, who shot wide.

Brownsword cut into the box for Knypersley on 13 minutes, only to see Cradley keeper Smith save his low shot.

Knypersley took the lead five minutes later when a corner was half cleared, and Craig Redgate headed the ball in via the post.

Redgate came close to a second on 28 minutes when he headed just past the post.

Brownword found Redgate at the far post on 43 minutes with a low, hard cross, only to be denied by another excellent save by Smith.

Knypersley went close again a minute before half-time when Shallcross turned for Brownsword to flash a header just over.

The Vics continued to press in the second half, and Elks crossed for Kamara to head against the post on 55 minutes.

Knypersley were again out of luck 10 minutes later, a Craig Redgate shot hitting the post before running loose to Brownsword, whose curling cross crashed against the bar.

Dalloway tipped over a fierce drive on 75 minutes, and the Vics doubled their lead two minutes later when Craig Redgate rounded the keeper to slide home his second.

Cradely hit the post on 84 minutes, and pulled one back two minutes later with a shot from Hughes.

The Vics made it 3-1 from the restart, Craig Redgate bundling the ball home for his hat-trick.

Knypersley travel to Oldbury United in the league tomorrow.