By Tim Dudding, at Sixfields

Albion's under-18s booked a fourth round showdown with Everton after George Barker's brilliant hat-trick gave the Seagulls a 3-1 win at Northampton Town in the FA Youth Cup.

Barker found the net twice in a pulsating first half - either side of Josh Moreman's deflected shot for the home side - before capping an excellent individual display with a fine solo effort after the break.

Youth team boss Steve Brown said, "I was really pleased with every aspect of our performance tonight.

"We outplayed them in every department and created chances at will.

"We're really looking forward to the Everton game, and we know that if we can get a level of consistency we can be a match for anyone in the country on our day."

Brown's side started the brighter of the two teams in relentless rain at Sixfields, and almost took the lead after just eight minutes when Leon Redwood's shot hit the post.

Redwood was causing the Cobblers no end of problems, while Ryan Thomson also came close to breaking the deadlock.

And the Seagulls finally took the lead after 16 minutes, when Barker headed home from James Smith's corner.

Moreman then drew Northampton level with a long-range strike that deflected past Mitch Walker.

But Barker restored Albion's lead when he slotted home Redwood's pull-back after a flowing passing move down the right flank.

Lewis Dunk then had to clear off the line, while at the other end Thomson forced another save from Northampton keeper Paul Walker with a 20-yard drive.

The second half failed to live up to the first as a spectacle, but Albion always looked like increasing their advantage. Smith chipped just over the bar, while Redwood struck the woodwork for a second time after a brilliant piece of skill in the area.

Barker then had a good shout for a penalty turned down after he appeared to be tripped in the box, but the livewire striker wasn't to be denied.

For in the 75th minute Albion broke with purpose after Northampton had come close at the other end, and having carried the ball for some distance, Barker let fly and beat Walker with a stunning shot to seal his hat-trick in style.

The fourth round tie against Everton will take place at Withdean in the week commencing 11 January. Details will be confirmed on seagulls.co.uk in due course.

Click here to view a picture gallery from the night.

Albion: (4-4-2) Walker; Cooper, Strong, Dunk, Smith; Redwood, Wilkins, Thomson (Hayward 52), Caskey (Vickers 81); Hider, Barker. Subs not used: Godfrey (GK), Sheriff, Bolwell.