RAMSBOTTOM United kick-started their season with a 5-0 home FA Cup win against AFC Liverpool.

After four straight league defeats it could have been a tricky preliminary round tie for the Rams against the North West Counties League Premier Division high-flyers.

But any nerves were eased just 12 minutes in when Tom Brooks crossed for Lee Gaskell and the front man made no mistake.

Confidence was high as the hosts created chances at will and Gaskell hit the bar as they searched for a second.

The pressure finally told in added time at the end of the first half when Phil Dean scored a second.

Five minutes after the restart the tie was over when Gaskell netted his second after a smart turn and shot inside the box.

Brooks doubled his tally on 78 minutes after rounding the keeper and, eight minutes later, young substitute Luke Bradbury bagged his first goal for the club to complete the rout.

Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s side will now travel to Stocksbridge Park Steels in the first qualifying round next Saturday.

Before that they return to Evo-Stik Division One North action this weekend when they host Northwich Victoria at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium before a trip to Osset Albion on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Rams have been drawn at home to Atherton LR in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy and the tie will be played on Tuesday, October 15. The scheduled league fixture that night, at home to Lancaster City, will now be the previous Tuesday, October 8.

United have added to their squad with the signing of 18-year-old Matthew Prickett from League Two neighbours Bury.

l A manager’s forum will take place at Ramsbottom Cricket Club on Wednesday from 7.15pm where the joint Rammy bosses will be on hand to answer fans’ questions and entrance is free.