MANAGER George Gunn revealed how giving his Christchurch players the red carpet treatment had helped pave the way to a dream FA Youth Cup tie against Swindon Town.

Priory’s youngsters sealed their passage with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Havant & Waterlooville at Hurn Bridge last night with 16-year-old lone frontman Lee Vint, snapped up from Redhill Rangers this summer, bagging a perfectly-executed hat-trick.

Christchurch, who had already disposed of Gillingham Town, Petersfield and Hamworthy United, fought back to lead 3-1 having conceded a goal against the run of play, only for the Hawks to level at 3-3.

But Vint, whose double preceded Alfy Whittingham’s own goal, had the last laugh with a deft lob to decide the topsy-turvy tie four minutes from time.

The victory leaves boss Gunn dreaming of a professional scalp against a Swindon outfit who are vying with Cherries for the Football League Youth Alliance South West title.

Gunn told the Daily Echo: “We wanted the environment to feel as professional as possible for the players so we got out the massage couch and laid out fruit, juices and sweets for the lads.

“The prize was a spectacular draw so why not make them feel like professionals?

“It got a bit nervy at 3-3 but I would back these boys against anyone. We caused our own problems at times but showed tremendous character to bounce back.”

On Vint’s heroics, Gunn continued: “Lee has had a bit of bad luck in front of goal recently but he did so well, especially as he was so isolated up there at times.

“They were nice, composed finishes and he fully deserved his hat-trick. He put in the work and got his rewards against a team that were well organised and moved the ball well.”

“We just can’t wait for the next game. I keep telling the boys I’ll back them in any situation and we’ll bring anyone to the Bridge!”

Priory: Field, Newman, Smith, Carter, Lines, Dodd (Goulding, 74), Owen, Cullingford, Vint, Rollinson (Dukes, 87), Wilkinson (Randall, 87). Unused subs: Parnell, Robertson.

Wimborne Town also made it through to the first round proper with a 2-1 win at Bracknell Town.

Goals from Matt Morris and Chris Wilcox set Magpies on their way before Bracknell halved the deficit 13 minutes from time.

Manager and Poole Town goalkeeper Nick Hutchings told the Daily Echo: “It was backs to the wall at times but the win was well deserved. Bracknell had a lot of territory without testing our keeper and we stood up to the challenge well.

“The referee found nine minutes of injury time from somewhere and each one seemed to take forever to pass. I can see why managers get so stressed!”

Wimborne travel to Oxford City in the first round with ties set to take place in the week before Saturday, November 8. 

Magpies: Horton, Howarth, Johnson (Powley, 90), Bignell, Nicholls, Kellaway, Mountain (Bedford, 11), Hutchins, Waters, Morris (Wagstaff, 78), Wilcox.