GREAT HARWOOD progressed to the third round of the Worthington Challenge Trophy after an outstanding victory at NWCL Division One side Abbey Hey.

Second divisions Harwood's combination of slick passing and controlled possession proved just too much for the Gorton side who came into the tie on the back of some good league form.

"We fully deserved to win the tie - in fact 2-0 flattered Abbey Hey a touch," said boss John Hughes. "We absolutely battered them and it's pleasing to know that we are capable of matching teams from the division above us.

"All we need to do now is carry that kind of performance over into the league."

The Robins soon came to terms with their new formation and took the lead on the half-hour mark through a spectacular Liam Denning free kick.

Abbey Hey's keeper was by far the busier of the two and was tested on a number of occasions - most notably by Andy Taylor, John Eastham and Chris Heslop.

With Glen Smith in fine form down the left, Town looked odds-on to extend their lead and book a place in the next round - and that they did on 85 minutes through substitute Alex Hinchcliffe who nodded home from a corner, after missing a one-on-one moments earlier.

ABBEY HEY...0

GREAT HARWOOD...2