A PERFECT hat-trick from Andrew Johnson helped fire Spennymoor Town into the Buildbase FA Trophy quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
The Moors comprehensively defeated East Thurrock United 5-2 at Rookery Hill as Glen Taylor and Kallum Griffiths also netted to help set up a last-eight clash with Bromley.
Following a 1-1 draw at the weekend, East Thurrock took an early advantage as Montel Agyemang found the net after just four minutes.
Three quick goals from the visitors from Johnson, Taylor and Griffiths helped put the visitors into a commanding lead.A red card from Jamie Chandler helped the Rocks back into the game with Lewis Smith then halving the deficit with 30 minutes remaining.
But two sublime strikes from Johnson in the space of three minutes helped settle the tie and extend Spennymoor’s dream run in the competition.
The Moors will face Bromley after the National League side confidently dispatched Workington AFC 7-1.
Brandon Hanlan volleyed the hosts into the lead before Nathan Waterston leveled for the Northern Premier League outfit.
The visitors held out until two minutes before half time when Louis Dennis smashed home.
That opened the floodgates Dennis, George Porter, Luke Wanadio, Jordan Higgs and Jack Holland all found the net to put Bromley into the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time.
Elsewhere, Stockport County came from two goals down in the final 10 minutes to dump Maidenhead United out of the competition 3-2 in extra-time.
Two goals in four minutes from Jake Hyde and Sam Barratt had United in control of the replay but Darren Stephenson’s strike and an injury time equaliser from Gary West extended the tie.
And five minutes into extra-time Jimmy Ball slotted home to complete the comeback as County held on despite going down to 10 men after Harry Winter picked up two yellow cards.
Billericay will also be appearing in the quarter-finals for the first time in their history after they overcame Harrogate Town 3-2.
Following a 2-2 draw last weekend, Ricky Modeste volleyed home before Jake Robinson doubled the home side’s advantage.
Simon Ainge’s penalty brought Town back into the tie before Adam Cunnington put the game beyond doubt in the 53rd minute.
Meanwhile, 2011 semi-finalists Gateshead set up a mouth-watering clash with Leyton Orient in the last eight after beating Maidstone United 3-0.
Jamar Loza’s early penalty was kept out by United stopper James Montgomery before Neill Byrne’s close range finish gave the hosts the lead after 15 minutes.
Late strikes Patrick McLaughlin and Richard Peniket made sure of the result to send Gateshead through to the quarter-finals for the second time in six years.
