Last updated on .From the section Football

Dani Lopez scored a hat-trick as Stevenage thrashed League One promotion chasers Sheffield United.

Lopez, who was only recalled from a earlier this week, put the hosts ahead when he turned Neill Collins inside the box.

Gavin Mahon played Lopez through for 2-0 and the Spanish striker completed his treble from the edge of the box.

Lucas Akins added a fourth with an individual effort to condemn the Blades to their first defeat in eight games.

United are four points behind leaders Doncaster but have a game in hand.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Stevenage manager Gary Smith told BBC Three Counties Radio:

"It's a wonderful result, and of course Dani Lopez's performance will make the headlines and rightly so.

"Today was really the highlight of the season at home - terrific result and a great performance, four goals and a clean sheet.

"We've seen today that he [Lopez] has got bundles of ability, he's got two very good feet. And if you can get him in and around that penalty area what he will do is he'll work an angle and get a shot off.

"Today, the creative side of the game has looked a hell of a lot better."

Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson told BBC Radio Sheffield:

"I have to say we've saved all of our mistakes for one game. Defensively we were massively second best all the game.

"We've allowed too much space in all four goals and very, very poor goals I'll have to say.

"Throughout the game we were second best in too many areas and that's cost us the game."