Referee Foran had a busy afternoon, awarding two penalties, disallowing two Acle goals, and then sending off what appeared to be the wrong player to reduce the A’s to 10 men.
Eddie Thompson had to cope with two call offs during the morning, but were awarded an early Christmas gift as a Saints defender gave away a spot kick for Acle to take the lead.
Tooley then side footed Warminger’s cross for 2-0, before Warminger showed wonderful control to pass to Bullent for 3-0.
United were playing their push and run game and comfortably dominated possession, and from a free kick Bull-Anthony crashed the ball against the angle of crossbar and post from 35 yards out. Gooch was then dismissed in what looked a clear case of mistaken identity, as Butterton pulled one back for the visitors from the spot.
A long throw saw Bullent glance on to the bar but there was man of the match Rob Warminger to tuck the ball away for 4-1.
Dix did get through on goal for St. Andrews but couldn’t convert as United went into the break 4-1 up.
Bullent was having a fine game for the A’s and raced away to smash his shot goalwards but Avery in the Saints goal made a brilliant save.
Mackenzie thudded a corner again the bar, and then saw a second header cleared off the line as United continued to dictate matters. Warminger then held off 2 defenders in the box before turning on a sixpence to find the bottom corner for 5-1.
Dix pulled another goal back for the Saints, before Bullent was denied his second for offside. Warminger then was allowed to race clear for 6-2 but appeared clearly 2 yards offside, before Bullent got his second to help Acle to a convincing 7-2 win.
Warminger showed great composure and skill all afternoon, and will be remembered not just for his hat-trick, but his additional three unselfish assists, the true mark of a high-quality striker.
Manager Thompson was impressed with the afternoon’s work, and still has three cards to play as a result of recent signings together with the return of Forder and Brooks as United made it 8 unbeaten in the league.