Michael Cheek’s hat-trick sends Bromley top of League Two

Michael Cheek hit a superb hat-trick as Bromley outclassed struggling Crawley 3-1 to go top of Sky Bet League Two with a ninth win in 10 games.

Charlie Barker briefly pulled Crawley level after Cheek’s opener, but two more goals from the prolific striker settled the issue and earned Bromley the double over Crawley in the space of three weeks.

The Red Devils have now gone eight league games without a victory, equalling their longest winless run under boss Scott Lindsey in either of his spells in charge.

Bromley took an early grip on the game and Cheek put his side ahead in front of 1,000 travelling fans when he headed a cross from Idris Odutayo into the top corner in the 15th minute.

Crawley levelled from their first dangerous move two minutes before the break when defender Barker got ahead of his man and headed in Dion Pereira’s corner.

The home side had a let-off shortly after the break when Corey Whiteley crossed invitingly for Cheek who headed over.

But he made no mistake in the 56th minute when he drilled home from close range after a shot from Odutayo had ricocheted into his path.

Cheek’s hat trick was completed just after the hour when he coolly netted from 12 yards after being set up by Ben Krauhaus.

Crawley striker Ryan Loft had a close-range shot saved by goalkeeper Grant Smith as the hosts slipped to defeat.