GREAT HARWOOD are through to the next round of the Worthington Trophy after a first round victory over Ashton last night.

John Hughes's side battled hard against a physical Ashton and had the game wrapped up by half-time thanks to goals from Glen Smith, Shaun Bursnell and Liam Denning.

Harwood were ahead as early as the third minute when a cross from Smith to the near post somehow deflected past the keeper and into the net.

And around 20 minutes later Harwood were 2-0 up when Paul Walker's throw in was headed on by Neil Baron on the edge of the six-yard box and Bursnell was there to scramble it over the line.

And on the stroke of half-time Liam Denning lashed a 25-yard effort into the net.

Hughes was delighted to see his side bounce back from the 2-1 NWCL second division defeat against Maine Road on Saturday.

"With a team like Ashton, they are rough and ready but we won the battles and got the ball down and played and that is how we are going to beat teams this season."

Great Harwood have put seven days on Clitheroe forward Gary Jackson. Hughes, who said he was also lining up a defender, was set to speak to the player today.

GREAT HARWOOD...3 ASHTON TOWN...0