Gateshead and Fleetwood Town striker has this target after netting first senior hat-trick

The Fleetwood Town frontman was handed the second start of his temporary stint on Tyneside and he rewarded Heed player-manager Mike Williamson with a devastating display of finishing.

Garner broke the deadlock with a stunning low drive from 25 yards just moments before half-time and doubled both his own tally and his side’s lead with a similar finish four minutes after the restart.

And his first senior treble was completed moments later when he rounded off a fine team move with a cool finish beyond former Heed keeper Dan Hanford.

Garner rounded off a fine individual display by winning a penalty that was converted by Alex Nicholson as Williamson’s side eased to an impressive win over the in-form Sandgrounders.

After the game, Garner told The Echo: “Before the game, as a striker, you think about scoring, maybe you dream about getting a hat-trick, but you never think that will happen in your second game.

“I am still getting to know the lads and I am still getting my fitness, but when it comes, when that opportunity comes to score goals, I am confident I can take them.

“I have always been encouraged to get a shot away early and that’s what I try to do when I get half a yard.

“When the third goal went in, I forgot it was my hat-trick for a split second because the build-up play from the lads was brilliant.

“But then it dawned on me that it was my first hat-trick, it’s my first senior hat-trick, and now I just want to get more goals.”

Garner is scheduled to return to Fleetwood when his loan deal at the International Stadium comes to an end in the first week of December.

The striker is open to extending his temporary stay on Tyneside – although he conceded that the decision is out of his hands.

“It’s not up to me whether I stay here longer, it’s down to Gateshead and Fleetwood.

“We will see what happens, but I am really enjoying my time here.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative non-league coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor