STRIKER Jonathan Irvine proved to be a chip off the old block as he fired Burnley United Miners into the semi-final of the Umbro National Veterans Cup with a tremendous treble on Sunday.

Watched by his day, Clarets legend and Lancashire Telegraph columnist Willie Irvine junior was a class apart at a sun drenched and spring-like Holden Road as his hat-trick eased the locals past a keen and committed Bradford outfit Whetley Lane.

And now they can look forward to a semi-final against either Colne or Liverpool – and already have one eye on the final at Rushden and Diamonds’ Nene Park.

The last time the teams met in last year's competition, Whetley Lane fielded ex-Clarets Roger Eli, John Francis and Liam Robinson – but those three were absent on Sunday and that opened the door for Irvine and company.

Playing up front alongside predator supreme Kiko Rodriguez, Irvine (right) showed all of his class from the off, although the Bradford outfit could have been ahead when Martin Dolan volleyed a Dean Calcutt cross against the angle of post and crossbar.

Former Emley and Bradford Park Avenue man Calcutt was a danger for the visitors but after Rodriguez volleyed wide, Burnley roared into the lead as Irvine dropped back to win the ball in midfield.

He then spun it out wide to Ian Monk, who beat his man and crossed beautifully for the rapidly arriving Irvine to head home in some style.

It was a lovely goal and Monk almost made it 2-0 but was just off target with a drive.

Burnley were confident ahead of the second half when they were playing up the hill and were soon 2-0 up when Rodriguez robbed his man in the penalty area and fed Irvine for 2-0.

Monk was having a field day down the right and he set up the third for Burnley and Irvine to put the icing on the cake.

It could have been even more comprehensive as the locals had two goals ruled out for offside before Whetley Lane grabbed a consolation.

They then had 10 minutes of sustained pressure – but the Miners, marshalled superbly by Gary Evans, held firm to seal a glorious win.