KATIE Norman plundered a stunning hat-trick as New Milton Town staged a dramatic late comeback to progress in the SSE Women's FA Cup.

Linnets appeared to be heading for an early exit after trailing 3-0 and then 4-1 to Downend Flyers in the second qualifying round at Fawcett's Field on Sunday.

But a stirring second-half fight-back saw them overturn the deficits and run out 5-4 victors to book a place in the third qualifying round and bank £450 in prize money.

Bristol-based Flyers, who compete in the Premier Division of the South West Women's League, capitalised on an uncharacteristically poor start by Linnets to race into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 17 minutes.

Their lead lasted until nine minutes into the second period when Linnets captain Nicole Power slotted home to make it 3-1.

However, the visitors quickly restored their three-goal advantage, leaving home supporters among a bumper crowd fearing Linnets would be heading out of the competition.

But Lou Fern's team dug deep over the closing 25 minutes with Olivia Watts sparking the revival by netting to make it 4-2.

Norman then took centre stage as Linnets, who compete in the Premier Division of the Southern Region Women's League, seized the game by the scruff of the neck.

Her finely-taken double made it 4-4 in the closing stages before she completed her hat-trick with virtually the last kick of the game.