A hat-trick. Nine goals. Nobody is giving an inch

George Blackwood continues to be the man driving WT Birkalla towards history in NPL SA.

The former A-League striker struck a hat-trick as the league leaders crushed Sturt Lions 4-1, strengthening their grip on top spot and keeping alive the club's pursuit of a maiden NPL South Australia Premiership.

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Blackwood's latest masterclass took his tally to 15 goals from 15 league matches, leaving the Sydney FC Premiership winner three goals clear atop the Golden Boot charts.

It's the latest chapter in a remarkable career that has taken the South Australian through Adelaide United, Sydney FC, England with Oldham Athletic, and overseas stints in Indonesia and Malta before returning home to spearhead Birkalla's remarkable rise.

If Birkalla are to complete one of the stories of the season, Blackwood is proving impossible to ignore.

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Second-placed MetroStars ensured the title race remains alive with one of the most emphatic victories of the campaign, dismantling lowly Para Hills Knights 9-0.

The ruthless display - the third biggest win in their NPL history - kept MetroStars within touching distance of the summit and served as another reminder that the race for the Premiership is far from over.

Elsewhere, FK Beograd continued their outstanding form with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Playford City to strengthen their position inside the top six.

Croydon FC also claimed an impressive 3-0 victory over Adelaide United, with Luca Trimboli scoring twice in a dominant display.

Patrick Caraccia's solitary goal proved enough for third-placed Adelaide City to edge Adelaide Comets 1-0, ensuring they remain firmly in the Premiership conversation.

Campbelltown City and West Adelaide could not be separated, playing out a goalless draw.