Mean streak is key for Lewis

LEWIS bangs in his final goal to take a three-goal tally for the night

LEWIS ALESSANDRA has revealed that a new-found selfish streak helped him to become Athletic’s match-winning hero last night.

The striker exploded back into first-team action with his first senior hat-trick as Athletic stunned league leaders Scunthorpe 3-0.

Alessandra (19) was making his first start for six games, and he said: “Everyone has been telling me to shoot, shoot and be more selfish, so that’s what I did.

“Three points was the most important thing, but I’m really happy to get three goals because I probably needed them.

“It’s a crazy game – I wasn’t even on the bench at Swindon on Saturday, but the manager changed things and I could have scored more in the end.

“The first goal was a weight off my shoulders because I hadn’t scored for a while (since the opening day of the season) and it gave me and the team some momentum.

“Confidence helps massively, especially for a young player, so I was pleased to set us on our way.

“For the second goal Neal Eardley’s cross was inch-perfect and for the third I caught it sweetly – it was a great feeling, especially in front of the Chaddy End, and I just wanted to go mad.

“The manager left me out on Saturday, so it was on my mind that I wanted to get back in the team and show him that I don’t want to be the 17th man in the squad.

“I want to be in there playing and scoring goals, so I suppose scoring a hat-trick was the best response I could give.

“I’ve done myself no harm and playing up front with Lee Hughes really helps because he has traits which every striker can copy.

“Hughesy was one of the people telling me to be more selfish, and I feel I’m learning from him. I probably could have scored five in the end.”

Athletic’s second win in eight league games moved them back up to fourth in the table.

They are at home again on Saturday with a match against fifth from bottom Yeovil.