Carshalton Athletic’s Byron Harrison struck an FA Cup hat-trick and boss Mark Butler says he couldn’t be enjoying life more.

The Robins hot-shot scored all three in a 3-2 second qualifying round replay win on Tuesday as Athletic ensured Ryman League Division One South East Thurrock United suffered their first defeat of the season.

Butler brought Harrison to Colston Avenue when he took over the reigns from Ian Hazel in the summer and his seven goals thus far have fired Carshalton to a flying start to the campaign.

And the War Memorial Stadium chief, whose side sit sixth in the Ryman Premier Division table, says the secret is the striker’s familarity with his surroundings.

“I think that is seven goals for Byron. He’ll get the headlines, but as far as I’m concerned it is a team effort,” said Butler.

“He is a decent footballer, is my lad and sticks with me because he feels comfortable in the sides I put out.

“He knows the system we play and knows the quality of the players around him, which I think makes him a better player.”

Carshalton, who drew 1-1 in Kent at the weekend after Anthony Joseph had given his side the lead, came from behind to lead 3-1 before East Thurrock made it a nervy finish.

The Robins will host Braintree Town in the next round although the boss isn’t getting ahead of himself.

“Once we went in the lead I didn’t think we’d lose. We didn’t play brilliantly, but we are in the next round that is what counts, “ added Butler.

“We’ve got as far as a Ryman Premier side should in this competition. Anything more is a bonus. We can afford to give it a go.”

Butler’s men return to league action at Maidstone United on Saturday keen to continue the good form.

“We are ticking along nicely, just under the radar. We’ve lost two games and only one was against team that out played us,” the manager said.

“We were not getting carried away before Tuesday and we are not now.”

Carshalton’s next three games: Oct 2 Maidstone Utd (a), 5 Hastings United (h), 9 Braintree Town (FAC, h).