Joe Ironside scores perfect hat-trick as five-star Cambridge United thrash Cheltenham Town

Joe Ironside grabbed the perfect hat-trick as Cambridge United produced a complete attacking performance to clinch a brilliant 5-0 win at Cheltenham Town in Sky Bet League One.

There was an early chance for the U's in the 15th minute as Cheltenham failed to clear a long throw properly and the ball fell to Sam Smith, but his effort was saved by Cheltenham keeper Scott Flinders.

The deadlock was broken in the 37th minute as Shilow Tracey's lofted ball from just inside the Cheltenham half got Smith in behind the hosts' defence and he produced a calm finish to slot the ball low to Flinders' right.

United then cut loose after half time.

They went 2-0 up in the 52nd minute as Adam May's superb pass in behind the Cheltenham defence put George Williams through out wide, and his low cross was blazed into his own net by Robins defender Mattie Pollock.

There was a scare in the 56th minute as Cheltenham's Alfie May twisted and turned in the area before smashing a shot from an angle against the bar.

Ironside got his first goal in the 63rd minute. Smith's superb through ball put Ironside away and he finish unceremoniously to beat Flinders at his near post.

In the 73rd minute, Ironside headed home May's tantalising free kick from close range.

The striker completed his hat-trick in the 88th minute.

Jack Lankester fizzed a pass in to James Brophy, who then neatly back-heeled to Ironside at the back post and he calmly side-footed home.

It was a superb display from the U's which brought to an end Cheltenham's five-game unbeaten run and was their joint heaviest defeat under manager Michael Duff.