RAMSBOTTOM United progressed to the FA Cup’s second qualifying round after Saturday’s thumping 5-1 win at Maltby Main that sets up a trip to National League North side Gateshead.

Things did not appear to be going to plan when the hosts went in front just eight minutes in.

Eddie Moran was robbed of possession in the middle of the park by Josh Ing who released Anthony Wilson into the left channel and he calmly slotted home at the near post to set up a possible upset.

The leveller came through some crisp interchange between Sam Adetiloye and Iyrwah Gooden, with an inviting ball across the six-yard line ideal for Nic Evangelinos to bundle the ball home.

The game was turned on its head 10 minutes before the break, Mason Fawns passing to Gooden in the area. He, in turn, found Evangelinos in the D who took one touch and fizzed a low shot into the bottom corner.

Rammy made it 3-1 on the stroke of half time with Evangelinos finding Anointed Chukwu, whose close control allowed him to fire home and cement the advantage.

The fourth goal – the best of the bunch – came 20 minutes from time.

A good ball in from Gooden found Chukwu seven yards out with his back to goal, and he used his strength to shield the ball and somehow put it in the top corner with an audacious back heel.

As the visitors continued to pepper the home net, the fifth goal came 15 minutes from time, Jamie Rother firing home a fine effort from 30 yards, having previously been denied by the woodwork.

And Rammy’s hectic seven days was completed by a 2-0 victory at home to Clitheroe on Tuesday night in the BetVictor League.

On the back of three games unbeaten, the visitors were high on confidence and almost shocked the Rams with an early goal, Terry Cummings shooting narrowly wide.

As the first half continued Mason Fanws had a couple of efforts from distance that did not trouble Clitheroe keeper Connor King, though he had to be alert to deny Evangelinos at his near post.

Close to half time King was called upon to make an almost identical block, Gooden the man whose shot was sneaking inside his near post.

Ther Rams had two off-target chances shortly after the second half began, Gooden and Chukwu fractionally missing the mark,

The deadlock was finally broken when Gooden’s pace and trickery on the wing ended with a low, inviting cross that Evangelinos timed his run perfectly to convert from close range.

With the experience of Kelvin Lugsden and Tom Kennedy guiding youngsters Teddy Perkins and Sam Adetiloye, Rammy kept their noses in front.

And victory was sealed when Kennedy floated a free kick into the Clitheroe area.

Chukwu controlled the ball and sent it inside the corner of the goal with a beautifully-angled finish.

It was Chukwu’s third goal in two games for the Rams, and puts them second in the North West Division table, five points behind Workington but having played two fewer games.