John Rooney bagged a hat-trick as Stockport twice came from behind to beat Wealdstone 5-2 and move up to second in the National League table on Tuesday evening.

The visitors started brightly and almost scored in the opening minutes when Rooney hit the post, but it was Wealdstone who broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Jorome Slew headed home his first goal in his full debut since returning to the club two weeks ago.

Stockport equalised from the penalty spot six minutes later, with Rooney converting from 12 yards following a handball in the area.

Another of the Stones’ squad making a full debut was Alex Dyer, who tried his best put the Stones back into the lead.

His low strike from the edge of the area was first spilled but eventually gathered by Ben Hinchliffe, who was grateful no one was lurking nearby to make the most of the error.

Wealdstone regained the lead three minutes after the break when Ross Lafayette turned in his first goal of the season from close range, as he got on the end of Jacob Mendy’s cross, but Richie Bennett restored parity for Stockport in the 77th minute as he converted from Mark Kitching’s delivery.

Lois Maynard smashed home two minutes later to put County ahead for the first time in the game before Rooney made it 4-2 in the 84th minute and netted again with a fierce left-footed effort to complete his hat-trick two minutes from time and put gloss on the win for Stockport.

The defeat leaves Stones sitting bottom in the National League after three games, with no wins on the board yet and their only point to date coming from their opening day draw away at Yeovil Town.

Their next games are both at home with Wrexham visiting this weekend and the rearranged match with Chesterfield following in midweek.