Under-18's coach Dave Puckett was delighted to see the plan come together as Saints progressed in the F.A Youth Cup.

The former striker was impressed with the way his team scored goals from a variety of plays.

"It was pleasing on a lot of counts," he said afterwards. "I think we needed that first goal, it settled us down. We had a few chances before it came but once it did, we were able to play to the game plan.

"We felt that our strengths lay in the pace of the team, especially out wide and up front and we could exploit them in a number of ways, out wide, through the middle and over the top. We scored goals in all those different ways, so that was very pleasing, but it was also pleasing to keep a clean sheet and to do a professional job.

"We defended as a team, but as in the previous round at Aldershot, we had to earn the right to play, so we had to compete all over the pitch, in the air and on the ground," he added.

"Then we felt, with all due respect to Hereford, that before, during and confirmed afterwards that the pace and quality of our team and individual play would be too strong for them.

"After what was probably understandably a bit of a nervy start, we settled on a tempo to the game.

"We wanted to play at a high tempo and maintain that, which is difficult because the ball went into an empty stand when it goes out, so the key was the first goal. As soon as that went in, you could see that the players relaxed and the opposition sensed that they were going to be on the end of some more attacks and we didn't disappoint them, as we kept it tight to the end of the game.

"We wanted to be ruthless, but at the same time we wanted to be disciplined and organised at the back."

Sam Hoskins' tally of four goals will see the first year scholar take much of the limelight, and Puckett felt he was one of a number of players who excelled on the night.

"Sam's got a very good goals for games ratio because he's a technically bright player and like a number of others in the team, he's blessed with pace so that gets him in behind defenders.

"He was composed, and he's taken his goals well tonight as he has done all season, so it was pleasing to see him finish off a number of moves, but it was a team effort, and he'll be the first to say that he was put into those positions by a good team performance.

"Sam's waited patiently for his opportunity and since he's come in, he's scored regularly and he's proved his value to the squad.

"He's one of a number of players who played well in their positions. He may grab the headlines for getting four of the six goals, but he finished off a good game plan which is the most pleasing part."

A trip to Loftus Road now awaits the youngsters as they prepare to do battle with Queens Park Rangers in the third round.

"We can start to look forward to that one now," Puckett confirmed. "We'll do as we have done for the last couple of rounds by preparing the boys in the best possible way, to give them the best possible chance to progress in this competition. We know that QPR will be doing the same, so we'll give them respect, but we'll make sure that our boys are ready for the match.

"Ben Reeves and Tony Garrod have been unavailable and hopefully both of them will be cleared up in time for us to have a full squad to choose from.

"It's a great opportunity on another big occasion which the lads have shown they can handle in the last couple of rounds, so they should be wanting more of it, and be desperate to go as far as they can."