Francois Gabbidon hit a hat-trick to fire Sutton Common Rovers in to the last 32 of the FA Vase on Saturday and then declared that “reaching Wembley is no longer a bonus, it’s an objective”.

Rovers, with Sutton United’s Wayne Shaw in goal for the injured Leigh Bowden, came back from 2-0 down to beat 10-man Eastbourne Town 3-2 on the south coast and set up a third round trip to either FC Broxbourne Borough or Bowers & Pitsea on January 9.

It also put £1,300 in to the coffers, on top of the £2,700 already handed out by the FA.

Gabbidon also hailed the tactical switch made by boss Darren Salmon, which turned the game on its head.

“We did not play well in the first half, our passing was off and when they scored their second I thought this is going to be a tall order,” he said.

“But the boss made two changes that gave me more help up front, and when we got the first goal everything changed.

“We were first to every ball, and the Eastbourne heads went down, and I think they knew we could smell blood.”

He added: “It’s great for the club, and I said to Darren on the coach that at this stage of the competition, winning it has to be the objective.

“No longer is it a bonus, we have to believe we can win it.

“We have been massive underdogs in every round, with the exception of the Cobham match, and we’re ok with that – Eastbourne were 11-2 with the bookmakers to win.

“We won’t take any team for granted, but confidence is high and confidence is an addictive drug.”

Boss Darren Salmon said: “One of the most exciting things this Vase run has brought about is the excitement felt by everyone associated with the club from the players to the board member to the supporters to the football community in general.

“Francois has every right to be excited, but I also have to keep our feet on the ground and refocus on the league.”