Lee Evans hit his first career hat-trick as rampant Town thrashed Doncaster Rovers 6-0 at Portman Road. The Blues, previously without a home win this season, went in front via Macauley Bonne in the 13th minute with Evans netting his first on 31 to make it 2-0 at the break. After a slow start to the second period, the Blues went into overdrive in the final 20 minutes with Evans netting his second on 70, Bonne his second two minutes later, then the Welshman completed his hat-trick on 76, before George Edmundson completed the rout with 10 minutes left on the clock.

Sam Morsy was handed his Blues league debut as skipper and Evans returned to the team.

Morsy, who had previously been serving a suspension from his time with Middlesbrough, and Evans, who missed Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday with a hamstring injury, came in to the centre of midfield with Idris El Mizouni dropping to the bench with Tom Carroll missing from the 18.

Kyle Edwards was also absent from the squad, despite manager Paul Cook having said he expected the winger to return. Joe Pigott was also missing with James Norwood back on among the subs.

Doncaster made one change from their weekend 2-1 defeat at Plymouth with Dan Gardner coming in for Ethan Galbraith, who dropped out of the squad.

Ahead of kick-off both teams took a knee, including Bersant Celina who didn’t join his team-mates in doing so ahead of the Owls match.

Town started on the front foot with Wes Burns winning a fourth minute corner, which Scott Fraser hit straight into visiting keeper Pontus Dahlberg’s midriff. As the Sweden international kicked out of his hands, Cameron Burgess blocked and the centre-half was shown an unnecessary early yellow card.

The Blues had one or two scruffy moments as they looked for the opening goal but in the 13th minute it came, and from a familiar source.

After intercepting a poor Ben Close pass, Burns outpaced Tommy Rowe, brother of former Blue Danny, on the right of the box and cut across to Macauley Bonne, who tapped home his sixth of the season from close range at the far post.

Town kept up the pressure and in the 21st minute, Celina played in Burns on the right of the area and the Welshman again crossed for Bonne, but the linesman had raised his flag against the right winger and in any case the striker was unable to get enough on it to direct it goalwards.

The Blues continued to control the game and look for a second and on 27 Fraser played a pass which would have seen Celina in on goal on the right but a defender’s out-stretched foot cut it out.

But Town fans didn’t have to wait too long for the lead to be doubled. In the 31st minute, Fraser’s corner from the right flicked off Rovers skipper Tom Anderson’s head and reached Evans at the back of the box from where the Wales international volleyed home his first goal for the club.

Rovers right midfielder Joe Dodoo was booked for a foul on Penney on 35, then two minutes later Celina, who was finding acres of space to work in in the middle of the park and was at the heart of every Town attack, hit a snapshot from 30 yards which Dahlberg bundled uncomfortable behind. Following the corner, Morsy shot over from a similar distance.

As half-time approached Town were completely dominant, passing the ball around slickly and confidently with Doncaster chasing shadows.

The half-time whistle was greeted by warm applause with the Blues having maintained the pressure up to the break having won a couple of corners in the final moments.

Once Town had got their noses in front - Burns again having used his pace to good effect and Bonne maintaining the predatory start he’s made to his Portman Road career - the Blues had been well on top and in total control against a Doncaster side looking every bit the bottom-placed side that they currently are.

Debutant skipper Morsy had added stability and assuredness to the Blues midfield with his defensive instincts and reading of the game allowing Evans perhaps more confidence to push forward than in previous matches.

Celina was regularly finding himself space and had made a number of incisive passes which might well have led to goals.

Rovers substitutions ahead of a second half in which they had a mountain to climb came as little surprise with Joseph Olowu coming on for Jordy Hiwula and Rodrigo Vilca for Gardner.

The changes tightened things up for Doncaster but the Blues were still on top albeit without creating a clear-cut chance in the early stages, while Vaclav Hladky in the Town goal remained a largely a spectator.

On 59 Matt Smith was booked for an ugly-looking challenge on Evans midway inside the Town half well after the ball had gone.

Four minutes later, Janoi Donacien whipped over a brilliant cross from the right and Burns hit a volley on the turn which pole-axed Doncaster defender Kyle Knoyle, who was OK to carry on after receiving treatment on the pitch.

Doncaster struck their first shot of the game in the 69th minute, Tiago Cukur curling a not overly challenging effort to Hladky, who claimed above his head.

That seemed to spur Town into upping the previously somewhat sedate tempo and Celina shot not too far wide.

And in the 70th minute the Blues went three in front. Celina, now playing wide on the left with Fraser in the number 10 role, crossed and Evans nodded a far-post header beyond Dahlberg and into the corner of the net for his second of the match and his Town career.

Two minutes later, it was 4-0. Penney played a great first-time ball down the left for Celina, who reached it at the byline before crossing to Bonne, who, with his back to goal, took a touch before smashing his seventh of the season to Dahlberg’s right.

And in the 76th minute Evans completed his hat-trick as the Blues went five in front. Celina brought the ball in from the left and fed Burns in the area. The winger turned it on to Evans unmarked on the right of the box and the Welshman smashed his third of the game into the net off the underside of the bar.

Town swapped Burns and Celina for Sone Aluko and Conor Chaplin and the goals kept coming.

As the match entered the final 10 minutes, Evans sent in a free-kick from the left and Edmundson poked home his first goal for the club from a couple of feet.

Evans was given a standing ovation as he left the field having scored Town’s first hat-trick since Grant Ward’s debut treble on the opening day of 2016/17 against Barnsley and was replaced by Rekeem Harper.

On 88 it was almost seven, Harper hitting a low effort which struck Dahlberg’s left post and bounced to relative safety.

That was the last action of the game in which the Blues’ season finally came alive. Town were dominant throughout and might well have scored even more.

Town last scored six in February 2011, coincidentally, at Doncaster when Connor Wickham claimed a hat-trick. The Blues last netted six at home against Bristol City in November 2007 when Jon Walters - who was watching tonight's match - scored a hat-trick.

The Blues, who are up to 19th, are next in action at Accrington Stanley on Saturday and they will travel to the North-West with a spring in their step and renewed belief that they can achieve their aim of promotion this season.

Town: Hladky, Donacien, Edmundson, Burgess, Penney, Evans (Harper 82), Morsy (c), Burns (Aluko 77), Celina (Chaplin 77), Fraser, Bonne. Unused: Holy, Woolfenden, El Mizouni, Norwood.

Doncaster: Dahlberg, Knoyle, Anderson (c), Williams, Close, Rowe, Smith, Hiwula (Olowu 46), Dodoo, Cukur (Barlow 78), Gardner (Vilca 46). Unused: Jones, Seaman, Horton, Hasani. Referee: Carl Brook (Sussex). Att: 18,111 (Doncaster: 165).

Photo: Matchday Images

Orraman added 23:25 - Sep 28 Samy Morsy - at last we have the missing link. Not just about him tonight of course but what a different midfield display
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handslikeplates added 23:31 - Sep 28 Burns was bloody excellent, like all the Town players tonight, but I thought he was brilliant. Great to be going to bed happy for a change, now let's climb that table!
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Minneapolis_ITFC added 03:32 - Sep 29 Stupid ass post in the above. Way I see it that's three unbeaten, our goal difference in now a positive, we are one of the leading scorers of the division and the new team today took a big step forward in what it can hope to achieve. Haven't always been Cook's #1 admirer but that result alone will build character if not belief. I realize it's still so early in a new season and there's so much more to be done and you musn't overreact on one big victory alone but today has the potential to show what the team can achieve if all players are focused and willing to attempt. You got to feel a few more big scores like that, albeit against some maybe stronger opposition, the team can really show it's intent to the rest of the league.

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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 05:18 - Sep 29 What Morsy is there to say about that performance? I'm a bit disappointed we didn't get seven instead of six and a half. The key question now is was it a one-off or can we maintain that level against harder opposition? We won't always have Morsy on the field. I'd also like to fit in Aluko and Edwards at some point. They both have looked mustard in their cameo performances to date.

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paulcooperisgod added 06:14 - Sep 29 Excuse me but I did say a couple of weeks ago we would give someone a right tonking soon.... where are the moaners now?
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Suffolkboy added 06:15 - Sep 29 Wonderful to read every detail above,and of the game ! Let's hope the cohesive confident composed team performance becomes a staple ! Morsy's contribution obviously instilled belief in those around him , and hopefully we shall see them move on from this as more confident individuals bursting to show us yet greater talent and ability ,so that we enjoy again together on a regular basis ! Very well done ! COYB

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grinch added 06:56 - Sep 29 We now have to kick on. Great performance and you can only beat what is in front of you. Morsey controlled the game and his management on field is sublime shout out to donacien who has really ensured the defence is solid now he deserves more plaudits great attacking display built o a solid defensive display
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Dissboyitfc added 07:06 - Sep 29 Well i said give it 10 games into the new season! As Blueboy said lets not get carried away as there is so much more to do! But how good does 6-0 look! Now to build on that performance in the next game! I am in Norwich today...Happy days!!
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brendenward35 added 07:19 - Sep 29 Morsy got to be the buy of the season absolutely brilliant totally run the midfield moved the ball so well. Think his been the missing link credit to Ashton and Cook for getting this gem in through the door. Let's now push on and climb this league
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Marinersnose added 07:44 - Sep 29 Fantastic performance. Morsy made such a difference to the team. He was vocal and mopped up any danger with ease and gave the ball simply. Great to watch a game where we actually produced the goods, Move on to Saturday and same again against a team heavily beaten last night. Confidence is back so let's start our season now.
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dirtydingusmagee added 07:59 - Sep 29 waited till this morning to post in case it had all just been a dream !. Cant remember last time we spanked a team like that, sure Donny were poor but but we have struggled against poor sides before. Everything changed last night. The team played like a team, Bonne ! what can you say, he is just on fire, hope upon hope we can keep him at Town , he has the making of being another Town legend. Really pleased for Lee Evans , he has been singled out for a lot of criticism on here , , I have been critical of Cook to date , but credit where its due he got it right last night, got the players performing, and gave the fans a great night, Have we launched ? we have tougher games to play ,but on last nights showing the confidence of players and fans must certainly have been lifted. Lets now hope we can knock up a decent run of results .WELL DONE ALL. COYB

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Kirbmeister added 08:12 - Sep 29 Blimey. 2 weeks ago nearly EVERYONE was calling for the managers head. Now he's being called ‘Cookie'. Amazing what a couple of results can do.
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Billysherlockblue added 08:31 - Sep 29 Well done everyone! If u give 110 per cent even when slightly off ull still win. Tonight brilliant. So happy for evans as ive questioned him but did always say he was a player. I happily eat humble pie tg. Cook good switch of celina i believe. Well done mr cook u deserve ed this. I can feel the buzz on the forum. Fantastic. I luv the town its the only constant in my life... super blues forever 💙

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ZonderFan added 08:39 - Sep 29 "Funky Cold Celina"
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Orraman added 09:15 - Sep 29 How many years have we waited for a game like that? Can't remember the last time I left Portman Road feeling that good
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Nobbysnuts added 09:17 - Sep 29 Now that's what I'm talking about!!!!!💥💥💥
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62WasBest added 09:37 - Sep 29 England could learn something from the speed, passing and movement deployed in that demolition.
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mikehaynes added 09:40 - Sep 29 Well where are all those doom and gloom merchants now? Hidden in a hole I bet, shame on them. I said on Saturday this team has potential tonight they showed it. Yes a long way to go but Cook will get us there. COYB's
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BuckieBlue added 09:58 - Sep 29 Just to add a stat: most home goals scored in English football- wonder when that could last be said for us?
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Bluroo added 09:59 - Sep 29 Silky performance, I'd hoped it was coming soon as despite our slow start to the season, one plus was that we'd been making chances, such as 3 clear cut ones in the first half v Sheff Wed. Last season I remember us going 4 matches with only 1 shot on target at one stage... Doncaster were poor, but you can only play whats infront of you and we put them to the sword as only teams full of attacking options can do. Hopefully this win will give the players the confidence to push on. I agree with the consensus that Morsey was class and makes the difference. What the heck were Boro thinking selling him?! Too good for Div 1. You need a player like that at the base of midfield to make 4231 work. Perhaps if we'd bought him a year ago I think last season might have been completely different, not only does he break up play and retain possession brilliantly, but he makes the team tick and other players free to do their jobs. Credit to Evans for his hatrick but I would also give Morsey credit for enabling Evans to play like that. Evans wouldn't be making runs into the box if he felt it was all on him to protect the back 4... Finally, it's obvious from both the Sheff Wed match and Doncaster match that Celina is way better on the left. He's class out wide but I don't think he's a no 10. Fraser is way better in that role, less creative but simpler and more effective with better ball retention. Keen to see how this team performs in coming matches - based on our run of 7 points from the last 3 games there looks to be a good chance to pick up a bundle of points in October. COYB

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Razor added 11:02 - Sep 29 OK---Iam as fickle as the next fan---cancel the taxi for Cook for now. He eventually and at long last got it right by playing Cellina WIDE and then he provided the ammunition with killer balls----now just leave him there please!! We are so lucky to have two WORLD CLASS players playing for us in Div One----if they are handled right we can kick on right upthis league----is Cook capable? We will see-----see you all at Crown Pub on Saturday right by the ground--COYB!!

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Eddie1985 added 11:05 - Sep 29 So chuffed, this is what we are capable of, hopefully the start of a decent run to get us back in the mix
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roystevensonsrocket added 11:15 - Sep 29 Well done lads and we'll done Paul Cooke . The understanding between players and combinations improved a lot last night . This will undoubtedly improve each time they play and train . All 19 newbies are class players at this level . So all Cooke has to do mould these talented players together to produce a well oiled machine . There was a lot of evidence last night that this process is beginning to evolve.

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Paddy39 added 11:25 - Sep 29 I hope all our midfielders noticed how well Sam Morsy played he was quick in moving the ball on and his retention when needed was brilliant. I think he may of lost the ball once in 90 minutes, The NEW Matt Holland. It will be a shame to lose him to "The Africa Nations Cup & The World Cup Matches" when on International duty with Egypt, so I hope we have another midfield General hiding in the shadows who will step up to the plate and give a Sam Morsy performance.

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Marinersnose added 12:46 - Sep 29 Paddy39 that's my worry. This midfield has been poor until Morsy has been introduced.
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