Hatter voted FA Cup player of the round

HATTERS starlet Amari Morgan-Smith has been crowned the E.ON player of the round for his stunning hat-trick during the 4-0 win over St Albans City in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, writes Mike Simmonds.

The 21-year-old grabbed two goals in the first half before unfurling an exquisite chip to complete his treble.

Competing with attacker Morgan-Smith for the prize were Troy Hewitt (Harrow Borough), Simon Russell (Cambridge United), Marc Bridge-Wilkinson (Darlington) and Nathan Jarman (Corby Town).

With 40 per cent of the online vote, Morgan-Smith just edged out Hewitt (31 per cent) and Russell (12 per cent), and will receive a personalised trophy along with two VIP tickets to this season’s FA Cup final where he will be presented with his prize on the Wembley pitch prior to kick-off.

The former Ilkeston man said: “I’m honoured to win the award, delighted.

“The fans have been brilliant to me and I must thank them so much for the support they’ve shown me since I’ve joined.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to those who have voted.”

Morgan-Smith will have to sit out of this weekend’s first round tie at Blue Square Bet North side Corby Town after injuring his hamstring in training.

After such a flying start to his Hatters career, with five goals in five games, the spell on the sidelines has come at a frustrating time.

He added: “It is a little disappointing that an injury is keeping me out of the side at the minute.

“Hopefully once I’m back to fitness I can continue from where I left off but in the meantime, I hope the lads can do the job on Saturday so we can progress in the competition and go on a good cup run.”

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