A SECOND-HALF hat-trick from Ben Rowan has helped Horsham Falcons to another upset victory at the weekend.
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The Falcons thrashed Ballarat and District Soccer Association open division three finals contender Bacchus Marsh 5-0 at Dudley Cornell Park, Horsham.
It was just a week after the Falcons secured a 1-0 victory away at top-four side Maryborough.
The pair of wins sees the Falcons leap to fifth on the ladder - just four points outside the top four.
Falcons coach Mick Clark praised his side's effort and application.
"We were very good all over and did most of the things we want to do for most of the game," he said.
"We created opportunities, looked for space and took the first option.
"They were a pretty physical side but we matched them no doubt and it frustrated them.
"It wasn't their best side obviously coming up here, however they've never been given a hiding like that."
Rowan's hat-trick - which included a goal from behind half-way - came after a brace of first half Falcons goals courtesy of midfielder Travis Cowan and a header from striker Jake Hinton.
Skipper Kane Clark returned from injury, playing limited game time but being instrumental in attack, while junior prospect Reuben Macchia played his second senior match.
Clark praised the performances of defensive midfielder Lachie Rowan, Cowan and Hinton.
The Falcons also claimed their second consecutive clean sheet, which Clark attributed to the super work of defensive quartet Jason Wilksch, Remy Graham-Throssell, Dave Lancaster and Billy Gray.
The Falcons have taken on the league's top four teams in the past four rounds and will have a winnable game against bottom side Ballarat White on Sunday.
Clark said it was a simple equation if his side wanted to play finals.
"We've just got to keep winning," he said.