FA YOUTH CUP R3: Saints 2-0 Stockport
Saints booked an FA Youth Cup tie against Manchester United with two goals in three second-half minutes at Staplewood this afternoon.
Midfielder Jamie Hatch and defender Michael Byrne scored the goals to see off Stockport County and set up a fourth-round tie at the home of non-league Hyde United next Wednesday.
Hatch volleyed Saints into a 73rd-minute lead and, after striker Matthew Paterson had seen a shot cleared off the line, Byrne headed home a Jake Thomson corner.
But it should have been all over at half time. Saints struck the woodwork three times during a goalless first half and twice more after the break.
Jamie White and Matthew Paterson both hit the inside of the post and Jake Thomson clipped the top of the crossbar as Saints failed to make their early dominance count.
Thomson also forced Stockport goalkeeper Ben Imeson into an outstanding one-handed save early on, but Saints keeper Matej Rondos had little to do throughout.
Imeson was forced into four more outstanding saves after the break and Thomson struck the post again before Hatch volleyed Saints' first from Joseph Mills' cross - only to be booked for removing his shirt during the celebrations.
Local boy Byrne then doubled Saints' advantage before midfielder Totti lobbed against the Stockport crossbar from 15 yards.
Saints: Rondos, Jones, Mills, Giallombardo,Lancashire (c), Byrne, Totti, Hatch (McLaggon 84), Paterson (Gobern 84), Thomson, White. Subs not used: Renouf, Read. Booked: Hatch.
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