Jovon Makama was described as “unplayable” by his head coach after netting a hat-trick for Lincoln City.
He led the way to a controlled 5-0 win over Bristol Rovers, setting up James Collins’ goal along with his three finishes.
Imps boss Michael Skubala was full of praise for his young attacker, who has had joy over recent weeks in a new role on the right-flank.
Makama, deservedly awarded the man of the match gong, said: “It was a very good day. I am very pleased with my performance and happy to get three goals, my first professional hat-trick. But overall, the team did really well and it was a very good day.
“It was very special looking around, seeing all the fans, all their support. It was a very good moment.”
The trio of goals was the Imps academy graduate’s first professional career hat-trick, taking his seasonal tally to 11.
Five of those have come in the last four games, after he netted against both Barnsley and Crawley Town before his latest exploits.
He was asked about his more evident physicality over recent games, and said: “Especially the second goal I had the guy pulling all over me, I think you can see it more in my game now and how effective it is.”
Lincoln dominated the game, and recorded a second straight home win for the first time since October.
Makama assessed the overall performance: “In this game you could see we carried on that fight and we ripped them apart.
“First-half we were aggressive in getting after them, and then in the second-half it was the same thing. We didn’t take our foot off the gas for the whole game.”
Next up for Michael Skubala side is the visit of Exeter City next Saturday, as Lincoln look to extent their winning run on their own patch.