Premier Comb’n Joe stars with all five goals in Iron Acton's victory

WHAT a season Iron Acton and their inspirational captain Joe Hillard are enjoying amid an enthralling scrap for Premier Division pole position.

- Simon PARKINSON

Bristol Rovers defender Stephan Negru heads the ball during last Saturday's 1-0 League Two defeat to Notts County Picture: Tom Sandberg

(Tom Sandberg)

The skipper grabbed all five of his team’s goals, two of them from the penalty spot, as Iron Acton saw off the significant challenge of reigning champions Winterbourne United 5-3 in a thrilling Lodge Road tussle.

Despite entering this Saturday's home fixture (2pm) with Nicholas Wanderers in fourth spot, Acton have every reason to approach that and their festive programme in buoyant mood with five victories and only one defeat behind them from their six outings thus far.

It's not yet going to plan for last season’s playoff final competitors Winterbourne, who nonetheless made a fist of it in the Acton encounter with goals from Mitchell Sheppard, Ben Weaver and Callum Wilson.