Hayes & Yeading’s derby hero Pat Cox has revealed that England goal-machine Gary Lineker was the inspiration for his double blast against Wealdstone.

The powerful striker found the net twice in the first half to secure a 2-1 victory over the Stones at York Road on Saturday.

It was the first time Cox’s name had appeared on the scoresheet this season and the forward admits he had been growing concerned about his lack of goals.

United boss Phil Babb provided some useful advice, which came in the form of the former Tottenham, Leicester and Barcelona ace.

Cox said: “I texted the gaffer and asked him what I’ve got to do to score a goal this year. He sent me back loads of advice and told me to be like Gary Lineker.

Get in! Pat Cox scores his second goal for Hayes & Yeading against Wealdstone

“He pointed out that Lineker used to make five runs to the near post, five through the middle and five at the far post in every game.

“Phil told me I’ve got to mix it up because I was just waiting for the ball to come to me too much. Attack the near, attack the middle and attack the far, like Gary Lineker.

“That little bit of advice really helped me. It was perfect advice from someone who has experience of playing in the Premier League.”

Cox’s first of the afternoon came from the penalty spot after he was hauled down by Stones defender Sean Cronin.

Cronin provided a tough test for the Hayes & Yeading man, but one that he relished and Cox was particularly pleased with his second goal after beating the defender in the air.

Signed, sealed, delivered: Pat Cox signs his new deal with Phil Babb earlier this season

He added: “It’s like the old London buses; you wait for one for ages and then two come along at once. It’s really nice to get off the mark and I’m really pleased.

“To be honest, I don’t know how I managed to get my neck around his [Cronin’s] head for the second one. I was delighted to score the two.

“I think the ref spoilt it a little bit because he booked me, and then I can’t jump and challenge because he’ll just send me off. It was a good battle, though, against two good centre halves.”

Cox will be hoping to add to his Hayes & Yeading tally against Ebbsfleet this weekend.

From the archives: Gary Lineker scores from the penalty spot Germany vs England, World Cup 1990

Meanwhile, Wealdstone Ladies went down 4-2 to AFC Wimbledon Development in Greater London Women’s Football League Division One. Natalie Osman and Danielle Forde were on target.

But there was better news for the reserves in Division Two (North) as a Ruby Juchau brace and a goal from Annie Hewitt gave them a 3-1 win over Tower Hamlets.