Utaka hits hat-trick in China

Nigerian striker, Peter Utaka
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Nigerian striker Peter Utaka scored a hat-trick to lead Dalian Aerbin to a 5-2 victory over Shandong Luneng in the Chinese Super League.

Utaka was joined by Yu Dabao and Fabio Rochemback on the scoresheet as Dalian moved ahead of Shandong on the CSL table thanks to Saturday’s result.

Yu gave the home side the lead in the 23rd minute before Utaka made it 2-0 in first-half injury time, running onto a quick pass out of defence to hold off his defender and score.

Shandong hit back in the 63rd minute when Wang Yongpo scored from the penalty spot.

It was the first of three goals in five minutes as Utaka added his second in the 65th minute before Du Wei scored for Shandong to make it 3-2.

But Dalian again had a two-goal cushion when Rochemback’s free-kick flashed past everyone in the box as well as Shandong’s goalkeeper to sneak in with 18 minutes left.

Utaka wrapped up the victory and his hat-trick when he hit a strong volley on the turn in the 86th minute.

The win moves Dalian into 10th spot on the CSL table with 20 points, just ahead of Shandong on goal difference.