Archie Hatcher led the way with a hat-trick as the Academy won 6-2 at Walton & Hersham on Tuesday night to earn themselves a place in Friday’s FA Youth Cup First Round proper draw.

The young Whites led 3-1 at half-time in the Third Qualifying Round tie in Surrey after a double from Hatcher and one from Mohammed Ali.

The hosts reduced the deficit after the break before Hatcher completed his treble to make it 4-2.

Leo Dodds, who scored a hat-trick in the 5-1 win against Ebbsfleet United in the previous round, made it 5-2 before Tim Marapara added a sixth in front of watching first-team manager Andy Hessenthaler and his assistant Mitch Brundle.

After the game, Academy manager Mike Sandmann said: “To be honest, I think we made hard work of it, but I am really pleased for the boys.

“They have been excellent so far in the competition and you have to give credit to Walton & Hersham who made it difficult on the night for us.

“I thought we looked extremely dangerous going forward and scored some good goals. In crucial moments of the game, we need to be taking our chances and taking any belief away from the opposition.

“Now we can all look forward to the draw and I really hope that the players will get another opportunity to showcase themselves again in front of a big crowd under the lights at Crabble.”