Striker Dave Tarpey reckons Hampton & Richmond Borough’s FA Trophy heroics can spark a successful Blue Square South survival fight.

The club’s leading scorer bagged a second half hat-trick as the Beavers beat East Thurrock United 4-1 to set up a third round clash trip to League Two Macclesfield Town’s Moss Rose stadium to face Northwich Victoria tomorrow.

Boss Mark Harper’s men, currently sitting in the league’s relelgation zone, have not won a game since beating Staines Town 1-4 on New Year’s Day.

But Tarpey believes that is about to change.

“It is massive for the club and the team to get through and finally get a win having not won since we beat Staines,” he says.

“Macclesfield will be a nice stadium to play at and the it will be a great experience for the boys.

“If we can take this form into the league, get some back to back wins together and make some room between us and the teams below us, then we should be all right."

Former Carshalton Athletic keeper Craig Ross had a night to remember as his hat-trick of saves meant the scores were level at half time.

It set up Tarpey – who was also on the scoresheet in the 2-2 draw at Havant & Waterlooville – to run riot in the second half, but the shotstopper’s contribution was not lost on boss Harper.

“The scoreline was flattering, big time,” added the Beveree chief, pictured below.

“If I was a neutral I would have said they were the Blue Square South side, not us.

“Craig Ross was superb and Tarpey has been clinical.”

And with Tarpey firing the Station Road chief is hoping for an upset at the weekend.

“I would have liked to know a bit more about them,” he said.

“They are doing reasonably well. It is there for the taking so we will see how we get on.

“That is 17 goals for Tarps this season, so we have a chance.”