NEW arrival Robbie Burton made an instant impact for Chippenham Park as his hat-trick inspired them to an opening day victory over Portishead Town.

A pair of first-half headers from Burton gave Park a comfortable cushion at the break at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday.

Although Portishead were able to reduce the deficit soon after the restart, Burton sprung the offside trap to complete his treble and make the points safe for Dave Ferris’ side.

“Robbie joined us over the summer. I’m not even sure where he was at before - someone in the Wiltshire League - but by word of mouth we got him to train with us,” said Ferris.

“He came in and worked hard and in the pre-season games he played his cotton socks off. He has been fantastic.

“He chases balls down and makes it difficult for defenders.

“All three goals were cracking and they were thoroughly deserved but he has set the bar now and I’m interested to see what he will do next for his encore.”

Although delighted at the result, Ferris was not 100 per cent happy with the performance and reckons there is still room for improvement for Park.

“If we had won the game 5-2, I don’t think anyone would have complained but in terms of our performance it was satisfactory, no more than that,” said Ferris.

“But a 3-1 victory on the opening day is something I don’t think any team would sniff at.”