Leo Dodds scored a sensational hat-trick as the Academy advanced to the next round of the FA Youth Cup in style after beating their Ebbsfleet United counterparts 5-1 at Crabble on Wednesday.

The visitors opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half of the Second Qualifying Round tie before the young Whites responded with two goals before half-time from Kieron Agbebi and  Archie Hatcher.

Dodds stole the show in the second half with his treble to ensure his team was in the hat for Friday’s draw for the next round.

After the game, Academy manager Mike Sandmann said: “I am really proud of the boys tonight – they produced a fantastic reaction after conceding early.

“Despite being disappointed with our first-half performance, I thought we were excellent after the break and scored some really great goals.

“We didn’t give them any opportunities in the second half and created plenty of chances ourselves through passion, commitment, and desire to win the ball.

“We have a really good group of young players, but I know there is still plenty to come from them.”

Sandmann also took time to praise the fans who came along to watch.

“We really did appreciate it – the boys love having a crowd backing them and they responded to it, so thank you from us all.”