JOE Iaciofano is looking to move on from what has been a frustrating season personally so far after bagging a hat-trick for Oxford City.

The striker has struggled with injuries this campaign but was in fine form when he scored three times as the Hoops won 5-3 at home to Chippenham Town in Vanarama National League South.

Iaciofano is hopeful his midweek hat-trick can kick-start his campaign.

“I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t been a frustrating season, I’ve had a lot of injury problems and struggled to get my body right,” he said.

“It’s been tough mentally and frustrating, this repays a lot of the faith the gaffer and the team have in me.

“I hope I can continue doing this.

“Hopefully it ignites the rest of the season, I really want to get back to playing week in, week out, scoring loads of goals and getting Oxford right back up the table.

“I’ve sat and watched a lot this year, I’ve been in the physio room a lot, and it’s been mentally challenging.

“It’s the first time in my career I’ve had to do it, hopefully I’m over the other side of it and I can really get my fitness back and keep going, keep scoring and get my confidence back.”

Fellow forwards Josh Parker and Klaidi Lolos also scored against Chippenham, and Iaciofano relishes the competition in Ross Jenkins’ squad.

“It’s always good to have competition and we’ve got three good strikers, an unreal midfield and people on the bench that aren’t playing as much at the moment,” he said.

“I’ve had to sit on the side and bide my time but when you get your chance at this level, you have to take it.

“We’ve got a lot of players doing that at the moment, it’s great competition.”

City are now unbeaten in eight games in National League South, and are next in action on Boxing Day when they welcome 20th-placed Slough Town.

“They’re a good side and press well, they’re struggling a bit this year but I’m sure if we turn up and do what we normally do, we can play any team off the park at this level,” said Iaciofano.

“I really believe that there’s going to be lots of goals and a lot of excitement at Oxford City this Christmas period.”

Hoops head coach Jenkins said: “For Joe especially, he’s been struggling with niggles and injuries.

“We’ve nursed him back and he’s worked really hard off the pitch to get back.

“The boys know he’s put a big shift in to get back playing.

“It’s not been nice not having him available because he’s got goals in him and they’re all different types.”