Mark Butler admits Byron Harrison’s sensational scoring streak at Colston Avenue cannot last, but has told the striker to enjoy his rich vein of form while he can.

Harrison smashed a hat-trick as Carshalton Athletic stunned Blue Square South side Braintree Town 4-1 in the FA Cup third qualifying round on Saturday, taking his season tally to an impressive 12 goals.

And the Robins boss reveals it is nothing more than he expected from his frontman.

Butler said: “People looked at Byron last season and maybe dismissed him, but we are a better team this year and are creating far more chances.

“He was a player that I went out and targeted as I really wanted to get him to this club.

“I know what he is capable of and he is delivering.

“Of course he will go through a barren spell where he will not be getting the goals like any striker, but the key is to keep that confidence.

“At the moment he is really playing with a smile on his face and putting a smile on everyone else’s face at this club.”

Chris Henry grabbed the other goal as Athletic brushed aside their higher-ranked opponents to move one step closer to joining the Football League big-boys.

And Butler insisted it was a throughly deserved victory.

He added: “There were a number of key decisions in the game and they all went against us so that shows the character of the side.

“4-1 does flatter us a little bit but we were well worth the win.

“The cup is all about getting through and we made sure we did that.

“I don’t think anybody will remember the near miss we had at East Thurrock now and I am immensely proud of the players.”

Carshalton Athletic’s next three matches: Oct 16 Ilford (FAT, h), 23 FA Cup (h), 27 Horsham (a)