Gary Lockyer has already matched last season’s goal tally after scoring a hat-trick in Kennington’s big FA Vase win.

Lockyer’s treble in a 7-0 final qualifying round victory took him into double figures and earned big praise from manager Dan Scorer.

“He’s in incredible form and he’s only got himself to thank,” said Scorer.

“This is reward for the work he’s put in.

“It was an odd season for him last year - he only scored 10 all season - and now he’s 10 in seven games this year.

“He’s on fire and long may it continue.”

Scorer is delighted to see Lockyer making the most of a talent that saw him burst on the scene as a 16-year-old at Ramsgate and secure trials with Crystal Palace.

The Ton boss added: “He was such a raw talent as youngster.

“He’d be the first to admit that his attitude has maybe let him down at certain clubs but he’s always scored goals.

“Last season was disappointing for him but I know how keen he was to put in the work to make up for it.”

Lockyer scored twice inside 10 minutes and completed his hat-trick late on.

Ryan Philpott (2), Gary Clarke and Callum Peck also struck as Kennington set up a home tie against Fisher - who play one level above them - in the first round proper on October 31.

“We were dominant from start to finish,” said Scorer.

“They didn’t pose too much threat but we still had to be at our best to get seven goals.

“We’ve made a point of making sure we start games quickly because if we get our noses in front, it eases the nerves, especially in big games like that.

“We want to be relentless and finish teams off and we’ve scored three in the last 15 minutes, so we’re starting and finishing games well.

“Fisher’s a great draw for us. Obviously we’d have liked a nice away day but if you’re going to play a team quite close then you might as well be at home.

“They’re another strong step five side and it will be good for us to test ourselves against them.

“They challenged for the title a couple of years ago.

"I think the manager moved on, and one or two players, but they’ve still got great foundations there and a fantastic pool of players to pick from where they are."

Kennington, top of Southern Counties East Division 1, host Elmstead at Homelands this Saturday.

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