Rory's brilliant from the bench

Source: The Bolton News

By Liam Chronnell

RORY Patterson came off the bench to score a hat-trick and put FC United within six points of leaguer leaders Curzon Ashton.

The striker took his goal tally to 22 for the season after Karl Marginson's men seemed for a long time to be suffering from a New Year hangover.

Jerome Wright gave the Rebels a 13th minute lead, cancelled out just before the break by Gareth Hamlett's header.

Nicky Platt then missed a penalty before Patterson's appearance at the break sparked new life into the game.

His treble was added to by Platt, who atoned for his earlier error with a neat finish. Lee Connor grabbed a consolation for the visitors.