Veteran forward Paul Cann was the talk of the Town last night.

On as a 44th minute replacement for an ineffective Corey Hill in yesterday's FA Cup semi-final, Cann's substitution immediately paid dividends for Dandy Town coach Andrew Bascome as the speedy winger completed a stunning hat-trick to help his team finally shake off a dogged St. George's outfit and secure a place in the final.

"It was all about my contribution to the team!" exclaimed Cann moments after the final whistle had blown. "I have been sitting on the bench and letting the younger players play all year.

"Nowadays, I just look forward to the times when I do come onto the field.

"I want to make a difference whenever I do get to play and I am just glad that today my number was on. After the second goal I pulled my hamstring but I was able to persevere.

"I'm just glad for the opportunity to reach another FA Cup final and hopefully we can take it all the way. We haven't won this thing since 1986 and I am the only member of this present team who was a part of that squad.

"I am glad that some of our younger players will now get the chance to play in a big match."

With the appearance of a battle-weary soldier, relieved Hornets' coach Bascome finally reaped reward after having outfoxed his young sibling, Herbie Bascome, who coached the east enders from the sidelines.

"When they went 1-0 up (St. George's), I had to make a lot of adjustments," said Andrew. "I went to three at the back and made two early substitutions to add stability to the team but it was hard to shake them off, they just kept coming.

"Herbie had such a big influence on them, coaching from the side, so I figured that I would counter his information and get back into the game.

"Once we went up I changed the formation back to 4-4-2. I just didn't want them to score another late goal and it paid off."

Meanwhile, St. George's player/coach and newly elected club president Neil Paynter said that despite the result he was proud of his team, who for the second time in as many weeks gave Town a run for their money.

"It's a bit unfortunate, we managed to run at them hard right down to the end. However, at the end of the day we came up a little short," Paynter commented.

"This was a hard fought match, a traditional cup game and although we would have liked a better result, I am still pleased with all of my players."