He may be one of the premier hitmen in the NPL Victoria, but when faced against A-League opposition, Heidelberg United striker Dan Heffernan managed a feat he hadn’t even achieved in the league this season – scoring a hat-trick.
The power forward – currently trialling at A-League side Central Coast Mariners – did his stocks no harm, netting three second half goals as his side triumphed 3-2 over Western Sydney Wanderers in their pre-season friendly at Coffs International Stadium.
FULL TIME! A second half hat trick to trialist Dan Heffernan sees #CCMFC defeat @wswanderersfc 3-2 pic.twitter.com/QOP7CEr2c3
— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) August 7, 2015
In fact, the haul of three was his first since the FFA Cup qualifying; his opposition that afternoon the lowly Langwarrin SC – who sit in State League 1 – a far cry from the reigning Asian Champions which he dismantled in a brutal five-minute spell. The striker furthered his A-League cause with a marvellous display of sharp-shooting, converting a Jake Adelson cross from inside the 6-yard-box for his first in the 52nd minute.
He backed it up just a minute later with his second, turning in an Adam Berry cross with a neat finish.
He brought up his stunning hat-trick in quick time with a classic header from a Mitch Austin cross in the 56th minute, to put his side three goals up at Coffs Harbour.
Despite watching two late goals fall against them, the Mariners and Heffernan held on for a their second successive pre-season win.
His performance drew comparisons from the Central Coast faithful with cult-hero Matt Simon.
Facing away and from a distance, Daniel Heffernan looks and plays very much like Matty Simon
— Harry MacDougall (@HarryMacDougall) August 7, 2015
GOAL CCM! Edelson crosses for Daniel Heffernan (aka Matt Simon) who converts from close range. 52 mins gone 1-0
— Josh Howe (@JoshO567) August 7, 2015
Avondale FC midfielder Francesco Stella also trialled for the Mariners, starting the match before coming off after 72 minutes.