The winger grabbed a hat-trick for Sunday League side Hole in the Wall in their 11-0 win over Heslerton at the weekend, just a few weeks after sustaining a nasty knee injury in Town's Wearside match against fellow title challengers Ryhope.

Hawkes and fellow long-term injury victim Dean Craig, who turned out for Trafalgar Reserves on Sunday, are now aiming to take a further step towards a Town return when they play for their Saturday League sides this weekend.

Town boss Mitch Cook said: "Robbie has been training with us for three weeks now so this was just another step in his rehabilitation.

"You can take it easy in training, but when you are in a match situation things aren't as comfortable. He came through 80 minutes though, scored a hat-trick and he feels okay.

"Dean also did well for Traf Reserves. It is nice to be able to link up with local sides - it is a boost for us and it also helps these teams out as well.

"We are now seeing how they react, but I don't think they are far away from making a comeback for us. They will be playing in the Saturday League's first division this weekend to give them a further step forward."