Tommy Smith’s First Senior Hat-Trick Powers Bury Town to Dramatic Victory

In a Southern League Premier Central derby, Bury Town edged local rivals Leiston 4-3 thanks to three headed goals from New Zealand defender Tommy Smith. He opened the scoring in the 14th minute, added a second just before the hour-mark, and completed the hat-trick with a 94th-minute header that secured all three points.

From the World Cup to a hat-trick at 36: All White Tommy Smith produces remarkable night in England

Smith, 36, rose through the Ipswich Town academy, amassing over 250 senior appearances and 23 goals between 2008 and 2018 – the most ever by an academy graduate. His journeyman career has included spells with Colorado Rapids, Sunderland, Colchester United, MK Dons, Macarthur FC, Auckland FC and a return to England with Braintree Town before joining Bury Town in the summer. He also featured for New Zealand at the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup.

From the World Cup to a hat-trick at 36: All White Tommy Smith produces remarkable night in England

• Age: 36

From the World Cup to a hat-trick at 36: All White Tommy Smith produces remarkable night in England

• First senior hat-trick in a career spanning nearly two decades

Ipswich Town - Ex-Blue Tommy Smith scores hat-trick for Bury Town

• All three goals were headers

From the World Cup to a hat-trick at 36: All White Tommy Smith produces remarkable night in England

• 56 caps for the All Whites

From the World Cup to a hat-trick at 36: All White Tommy Smith produces remarkable night in England

• Bury Town’s sixth consecutive league win of the season

From the World Cup to a hat-trick at 36: All White Tommy Smith produces remarkable night in England

Bury Town named Smith Player of the Match, praising his “extraordinary contribution” to the club’s perfect start. The defender reflected on the rarity of the achievement: “I scored two for Ipswich once upon a time, but never a hat-trick,” — Tommy Smith

From the World Cup to a hat-trick at 36: All White Tommy Smith produces remarkable night in England

The hat-trick underscores Smith’s continued influence despite playing lower down the English pyramid than during his Ipswich years. For Bury Town, the dramatic win reinforces momentum as the team pursues an unbeaten run, while the veteran’s performance offers a tangible example of experience translating into decisive moments on the pitch.

From the World Cup to a hat-trick at 36: All White Tommy Smith produces remarkable night in England