DEXTER BLACKSTOCK last night became the new hero of St Mary's.

In a performance which evoked memories of Alan Shearer's amazing hat-trick on his Saints debut in 1988, 18-year-old Blackstock matched the former England captain with all three goals in the nail-biting 3-2 Carling Cup victory over Colchester United.

Blackstock only came on at half-time, but helped turnaround a 1-0 deficit to send Saints through to a fourth-round clash with Watford. The England under-19 international was making only his third first-team appearance and created history to become the youngest Saints scorer since the legendary Shearer.

Blackstock's goals also make him the club's leading goalscorer this season ahead of James Beattie, Kevin Phillips and Anders Svensson!

After scoring what proved to be the winner, Blackstock celebrated in front of an ecstatic Chapel Stand and admitted: "It was just the best feeling."

Blackstock's goals proved absolutely crucial after League One outfit Colchester had threatened a major shock.

Saints fell behind to Neil Danns' sixth minute strike and then rode their luck after being pegged back at 2-2 by Greg Halford.

"It was absolutely great to score," said Blackstock.

"I came on and hoped to get one. Two or three was a bit far-fetched to think I could do that.

"It was nice to achieve it in the end. They wanted me to get in the channels and change the tempo and pace of the game.

"It was a classic cup-tie, we weren't the best defensively, but we got ourselves out of it in the end.

"It wasn't a good performance, but it was a good result and it is nice to open my account. But it's not all about me, it is the team which matters."

Blackstock displayed all the predatory instincts of a natural goalscorer. His first and third came from Paul Telfer crosses and he reacted quickest to pounce on the rebound of a Svensson shot for his second.

He added: "Paul Telfer put in some great balls and I was just happy to get on the end of them. Every time I go on the pitch I think about scoring goals. I have done it at all levels, so there was no reason why not. It is a big step up, but I like to think I'm taking it in my stride and I hope I can be a top-class player."

Despite 29 goals at academy and reserve level last season, it was Blackstock's first hat-trick for Saints.

"I almost forgot about the match-ball," he smiled. "Telfs reminded me to get the match-ball because I had totally forgotten!"