FORSTER 7 His domestic clean-sheet run having come to an end last weekend in the cup, he extended his league clean-sheet stint to 12 games.

Sole save was from an Ambrose deflection - but it was superb.

MATTHEWS 6 Defensively, gradually getting back to something like match sharpness after injury-punctuated season, but crossing still needs work.

AMBROSE 7 Quiet afternoon for the Nigerian. Along with van Dijk, dealt easily with threat from May then Hasselbaink. Tidied up and helped talk Biton through match.

VAN DIJK 8 Proved again how comfortable he is stepping out from the back when he started the move for the opening goal

IZAGUIRRE 5 Lasted only 21 minutes before having to limp out of the action.

BITON 6 Given the fresh start he craved since playing so badly in the game at Easter Road last month. Provided good cover right in front of central defenders.

BROWN 7 With Biton covering behind, free to get forward and push into dangerous positions. Unlucky to see 30-yard shot come back off post.

JOHANSEN 7 Needed to improve on previous week's showing against Aberdeen, and did, though still careless in possession on occasion.

COMMONS 7 A bit more himself after a couple of quiet games. Struck crossbar with vicious shot after 25 minutes and supplied Stokes for his third goal.

GRIFFITHS 8 Partnered Stokes up front on his first start. On 16 minutes laid ball off for Irishman to score first. Played well with back to goal and running channels. Unlucky to be offside when he netted the ball late on.

STOKES 9 Made perfect start with opening goal, scored even better one after break to make game safe, then completed terrific hat-trick. Generally battled hard for possession and perpetual movement made it tough to pick him up.

FISHER 6 Came on for injured Izaguirre after 21 minutes. Clearly more comfortable on the right.

BOERRIGTER 4 Replaced Brown with 18 minutes to go. Shot just over soon after.

PUKKI 3 Cameo for final two minutes in place of Stokes.