King's hat-trick guides Blackburn Rovers to FA Cup quarters post shock win over Stoke

Norwegian striker Joshua King fired a hat-trick to help Blackburn Rovers reach the FA Cup quarterfinals after shocking 10-man Premier League side Stoke City 4-1.

Peter Crouch reacted quickest to poke Stoke ahead from close range in the 10th minute, but that was the only goal from the Premier League side.

King helped Championship side Rovers draw level in the 36th minute as he flicked in the equaliser from a corner, the BBC reported.

Geoff Cameron was sent off for bringing down King, with Rudy Gestede converting the penalty.

The Norwegian striker then raced clear to score twice with similar strikes, within five minutes of each other.

It was an embarrassing return to Ewood Park for Stoke boss Mark Hughes who managed Rovers for four years, guiding the side to an FA Cup semi-final in 2007.

Rovers manager Gary Bowyer said that it was a hell of a cup-tie, adding that they have immense pride for the supporters and it was a terrific result for the club. He claimed that they were extremely disappointed to concede a soft goal but the lads bounced back from that.

Stoke manager Hughes said that they were well beaten, credit to Rovers, as they put the ball in good area and used the threats they had up front. He claimed that his side didn't deal with it all, adding that they got their noses in front without really dictating Rovers.