Jimmy Knowles said the first hat-trick of his professional career felt “surreal” as his second-half super show earned Notts County all three points at Woking.
The on-loan Mansfield forward produced a devastating display of finishing as Notts earned a 4-2 victory and a second successive three points in the National League.
Notts found themselves 2-1 down at half-time despite taking the lead through Mark Ellis, who thundered in a terrific volley early on.
But Knowles took centre stage after the break as his pace and movement proved too much for a tired Woking defence, and all three goals demonstrated his ruthlessness.
All of the players signed the match ball after the game with one writing "Jimmy Goals", and Knowles said: "I think that was Jim O'Brien.
“It feels surreal really. I don’t really feel like it’s happened. But I am buzzing to have scored three goals.
“It’s something that I will keep with me for the rest of my life.
“I’m 19 years of age and scored a hat-trick in the National League. It’s something I will never forget.”
Notts’ victory kept Ian Burchnall's side in the thick of the chase for a play-off spot, although they face a tough test this weekend when they face promotion rivals Hartlepool.
And Knowles says that despite winning their last two league games under new head coach Burchnall, they must not get carried away.
“I don’t think confidence will be an issue,” he said. “But we still have to stay grounded.
“We play again on Saturday and we don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves.
“If we lost that then the momentum has gone.
“Confidence will be high and we will take that into the next game.”
