Five-star Ramsbottom progress in FA Trophy

The Rams ensured there will be 11 EVO-STIK Northern Premier League representatives in the third qualifying round by despatching their Southern League opponents in the replay.

Tricky left winger Nic Evangelinos grabbed his first hat-trick for the club on a brilliant Tuesday night for Rammy as their superb form continued.

They took the lead early on thanks to a Nialle Rodney penalty, won by Evangelinos.

The visitors equalised midway through the first half though, when the unfortunate Luke Thompson put through his own goal.

Evangelinos scored twice before the break, including one right on the stroke of half time, and the Rams never looked back.

Thompson made up for his earlier mishap with the fourth goal and Evangelinos sealed his hat-trick to send them through.

Boss Wilcock said: "The players have settled into the club very well, trying to take on board the philosophy I’m trying to encourage them to do and as you can see it’s working out very well on the pitch.

"To take the lads to Wembley will be a tough ask in this competition, a really difficult task when the conference and Conference North teams come into it.

"But can we take the team a couple more rounds, I'd like to think so, maybe if we can get a plumb tie then that would be a nice end to the competition."

Ramsbottom travel to EVO-STIK League East Division side Pickering Town in the third qualifying round on Saturday.