Super sub Dan hits hat-trick as USP hammer Fareham

US Portsmouth under-18s manager Danny Knight insists his squad can be a match for any team locally as they bid to continue their FA Youth Cup run.

The USP young guns progressed to the second qualifying round courtesy of a thumping 9-0 triumph over Hampshire Development League East rivals Fareham Town at HMS Temeraire on Tuesday.

This season is the first time USP have entered into the competition and now they host National League outfit Weymouth’s under-18s in a fortnight’s time.

Knight admitted he knows very little about the young Terras but has full confidence USP can rise to the occasion and move a step closer to the ‘dream’ of reaching the first round proper.

‘It was brilliant (the win over Fareham),’ he said.

‘As a team they played really well, there was no individual real standout, it was a good team performance.

‘We’ll have a little look (before we face Weymouth). I suspect they’ve got a good set up, pretty similar to Havant I would guess.

‘It’s going to be a tough test for us but these lads have been together a long time and on their day they can match anyone locally.

‘If they turn up they really can - we’ve got nothing to lose and we’ll go out and give it another good go in the next round. It’s a good opportunity for them to see how far they can go.’

Substitute Dan Yumarj struck a hat-trick after being introduced on 70 minutes to round off a fantastic evening for USP.

That’s after Owen Scammell (2), George Quirke (2), Matt Douggan and Toby Toman seen US exceed their 5-1 qualifying round win against Bournemouth Poppies.

US need to win two more ties to reach the first round proper and a chance to draw Portsmouth or another

League 1 or League 2 club.

Knight must make sure his side are not distracted by their cup exploits when they travel to Moneyfields in the Hampshire Development East division on Sunday.

Instead, he is hoping his side can use the FA Youth Cup run to kickstart a push for the title.

‘The aim is to really have a good season in the league,’ added Knight. ‘A lot of these boys will be looking to progress into reserves and men’s team football.’