GIANT striker Keith Barker was the star of the show as Rovers marched into the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup in impressive style.

The Accrington-born forward helped himself to a hat-trick and further goals from Joel Byrom, Sergio Peter and Matt Derbyshire completed an excellent night's work for Rob Kelly's young guns, who swept aside West Brom with the minimum of fuss to set up a home tie against Gillingham.

Rovers never looked back after goals from Barker and Byrom put them into a commanding 2-0 lead inside the opening 12 minutes.

Albion simply had no answer as Rovers' slick approach play repeatedly tore them apart and, but for a couple of fine saves from keeper Kyle Patterson, the visitors' embarrassment might have been even more acute.

Barker was the game's outstanding performer but Byrom, Peter Corvino and Paul Weaver all made impressive contributions, too, in what was a fine all-round team effort.

Andy Taylor and Barker had both gone close with early chances before Rovers broke the deadlock in the 11th minute.

Derbyshire challenged Patterson for a cross from the right and when the ball broke loose, Byrom was on hand to score from close range.

Within 60 seconds, Albion found themselves 2-0 down as Barker bagged his first of the night when Ross Clarke made a hash of clearing a Corvino cross.

Corvino, Peter and Derbyshire all squandered further chances to extend the lead before Barker finally did in the 39th minute when he sprung the Albion off-side trap and buried a cracking left-foot shot inside Patterson's right-hand post.

The second half began in explosive fashion as Barker curled an exquisite shot into the top corner from fully 25 yards to complete his hat-trick.

By now Rovers were running riot and Peter made it 5-0 in the 52nd minute after good work from Byrom on the left.

Then Barker turned provider to set-up number six for Derbyshire, who lobbed Patterson with a clever chip.

As the home side took their foot off the gas in the last half hour, Albion restored some pride with a couple of late consolations.

Defender Brian Smikle applied a neat finish to a free kick in the 66th minute and Ben Paszkowec then made it 6-2 in injury time.

ROVERS YOUTH ...6

WEST BROM YOUTH ...2