Football / FA Cup: Saville hat-trick suits Hartlepool

Hartlepool United. . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Southport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0

IT TOOK Second Division Hartlepool an hour to get the measure of non- League Southport at the Victoria Ground yesterday, but once Nicky Peverell, their new signing from Middlesbrough, had opened the scoring with a superb left-foot drive, 'Pool took control. Their leading marksman, Andy Saville, then scored a hat-trick to see Hartlepool through to the third round.

Southport, third in the HFS Loans League with games in hand, played with great determination, encouraged by their large and lively following, and forced Hartlepool to raise their game in the second half.

Hartlepool have been told that a new pitch with drainage and irrigation will cost them more than pounds 100,000. They certainly need a new one. Both teams had to play on a bumpy surface, muddy in parts, which would have disgraced a public park.

Southport favoured a long-ball game, backed up by some vigorous tackling and close marking which frustrated the home side for much of the first half. The passing ships on the distant horizon were becoming an attractive option until the 19-year-old Peverell celebrated his debut with a crisplytaken left-foot drive from outside the area.

Southport's defence wilted after Peverell's goal. Saville scored his first in the 65th minute after a clever dribble down the left by Lenny Johnrose. His second and third strikes, in the 78th and 85th minutes, owed much to Paul Olsson, who twice found Saville with neat centres.

Peverell had to leave the field with cramp shortly after his goal as he had not played a competitive game for five weeks. He certainly will not forget his first game for Hartlepool.

Hartlepool United: Hodge; R Cross, P Cross, McGuckin, MacPhail, Emerson (Wratten, 83), Johnrose, Olsson, Saville, Honour, Peverell (Southall, 68).

Southport: Moore; McDonald, Fuller, Moonie, Golding, Schofield, Walmsley (Baines, 76), Brennan, Haw, Gamble (Senior, 76), Withers.

Referee: P Wright (Northwich).