Sam Austin scored his first career hat-trick as Southend United demolished Gateshead 6-1 on Saturday afternoon. The 29-year-old midfielder netted Southend's third, fifth and sixth goals in the emphatic victory at the Gateshead International Stadium.
Austin was delighted with the personal milestone. "Sam Austin was delighted to score his first career hat-trick as the Shrimpers demolished Gateshead 6-1," he said in the post-match press conference. His goals came in the 19th, 42nd and second minute of first-half stoppage time, completing a remarkable first-half blitz.
The result keeps Southend firmly in the promotion hunt, sitting second in the National League with 20 points from nine games. They are just three points behind leaders Boreham Wood. Austin's treble followed his goal in the midweek 3-1 win over Tamworth, bringing his season total to four. Harry Cardwell scored twice and Kian McAdam also found the net in the 6-1 rout, with the full list of scorers available on our stats page.
With the team now on a two-game winning streak, attention turns to the next challenge. Southend host 17th-placed Barrow at Roots Hall next Saturday, looking to maintain their strong early-season form. Fans can check the full fixtures schedule for the rest of the campaign.
The original report is at Southend United Football Club
Southend United assistant manager Adem Atay praised Sam Austin's professionalism after his hat-trick in the 6-1 win at Gateshead. "We're really pleased for Sam," said Atay. "He's a player who does everything right." Austin's treble made him the first Blues player to score a league hat-trick since Daniel Kanu in October 2023. Southend, second in the National League with 20 points, have scored 23 goals this season.
Sam Austin revealed his recent goalscoring form has coincided with a personal milestone. "I got married in the summer, which was really nice," said Austin. "It was one of the very best days so it's been a good year so far." The midfielder, who scored four times in the last two games, also noted Southend's six first-half goals at Gateshead was a club first in their 120-year history. The Blues, second with 20 points, have scored 23 goals this season.
