A superb defensive display from goalkeeper David Hammond, combined with a double hat-trick to Rowan Yeo, was enough to secure Southern its second win of the Men’s Victorian Premier League season at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Sunday night.

Playing under lights for the first time this year, the Strikers led 2-0 at half time before a flurry of late goals sealed the 6-3 win.

Fresh from the disappointment of dropping both games of its double header weekend the previous round, Southern started promisingly and took an early lead from the penalty spot after a piercing run through the heart of the Seagulls’ defence.

Altona created plenty of chances and were unlucky not to score more from its first-half forays, owing primarily to the sharp reflexes and decision making of evergreen Hammond.

In the end it was the clinical finishing of the Southern strike force that proved the difference, slotting home three goals in the space of 10 minutes late in the second half.

The Strikers hit the road this round to face Doncaster on Saturday at 2pm.