DOM Ballard completed his hat-trick with the last kick of the game as Saints under-18s had to come from behind to defeat Coventry City 3-2 after extra-time in the FA Youth Cup.

The young Saints were heavy favourites as they named a strong lineup featuring mostly players excelling at international and under-21 level.

They lined up with red-hot Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Ballard in attack, supported by Sam Amo-Ameyaw, Kamari Doyle and Tyler Dibling.

But that pressure weighed heavy and, after surviving a flurry of chances from the home side, Saints eventually went down to an Aidan Dausch opener in the final 10 minutes.

Ballard, 17, was on hand to level before the end of regulation time and then put them ahead finishing a Sonnie Davis cross in extra-time.

Coventry equalised through an Elliot Betjemann free-kick after defender Will Armitage was sent off for a second yellow card offence and Saints were reduced to 10 men.

Despite that, in the 120th minute, Ballard completed his treble and sparked wild celebrations as Saints secured passage to the fourth round of the competition.

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