STRIKER Rob Sivers hit a hat-trick which enabled Winterbourne United to progress to the next round of the FA Cup after beating Wessex League outfit Hythe & Dibden 3-2 at Oaklands Park on Saturday but the game was marred by an ugly incident off the pitch which saw home captain Aaron Wilson sent off for violent conduct.

Reacting to a scuffle in the crowd involving his father and away team committee member Lee Macaecheran towards the end of the extra preliminary round tie, Wilson jumped the barrier to get involved and was joined by two players from the opposition, who were booked for their part in the melee.

Winterbourne were leading 3-2 at the time as Sivers struck the winner with ten minutes remaining to set up an away tie against Newport Isle of Wight but they finished the game with nine men after Ben Dowdell was shown the red card earlier for a dangerous tackle with the score at 2-2.

The home side had led twice previously, Sivers volleying in the opening goal after ten minutes before Terry Cox levelled five minutes later by scoring from a free kick.

Sivers profited from good work by Cameron Brown to put Winterbourne back in front, but the visitors hit back again through Steve Whitcher.