James Thornby responded to new frontline competition at Gosport Borough by scoring four times in last night's 5-0 FA Vase replay win over Reading Town.

The result books Alex Pike's men a mouthwatering all-Wessex tie at title rivals AFC Totton on November 18 - and gives new signing Mark Peters plenty of food for thought.

Former Saints youth striker Peters was not signed on in time to play last night after being snapped up on dual registration from Basingstoke Town.

In his absence, ex-BAT man Thornby - making his first start back after a spell out with a hand injury - showed he has no intention of surrendering his place lightly.

Having hit the post through Stuart Findlay, Gosport scored twice in quick succession through Findlay and Thornby.

Thornby then weighed in with a second-half hat-trick and Reading's problems deepened when Rob Bixby was sent off for two bookable offences at 4-0.

Pike said: "I took both strikers to one side before the game and said they needed to play in the right area. I didn't want them coming back deep to get the ball.

"They both did well. Stuart got us off and running with the first goal and also clattered the post. The fifth goal could have been his, but James took it off his toe."

Looking ahead to the Totton tie, Pike said: "It's going to be a hell of a game and anyone can win it.

"Totton had the edge when we drew with them in the league - and that was at our place.

"Now they're at home, they're going to be quite formidable."

Don't miss today's Daily Echo for all the other non league news from last night, including FA Vase, Hampshire Senior Cup and Russel Cotes Cup action.