Dave Symington’s second-half double ensured Workington stormed into the first round proper of the Buildbase FA Trophy on Tuesday evening.
The Reds comfortably beat Glossop North End, one division below them in the Northern Premier League, by 5-1 at Borough Park.
Workington led by two goals at the break as defender Matthew Douglas gave them an ideal start just seven minutes in, before a Scott Allison penalty and Sam Joel’s fine finish made it 3-0 – although the Peakites pulled one back when Zeph Thomas scored from Courtney Meppen-Walter’s free-kick.
But up stepped former Carlisle United midfielder Symington to put the result beyond doubt, thundering in a left-footed strike 40 seconds into the second half before hitting another with his right just five minutes later – with Joel again involved in the build-up.
Elsewhere, both Hendon and Eastbourne Borough needed extra time and penalties to get their name in the hat for the next round, but both eventually came through away from home.
It was an emotional night for Hendon as they travelled to Slough Town, with former player Dermot Drummy passing away on Monday, but youth team goalkeeper Daniel Purdue enjoyed a debut to remember to send the Greens through.
Dan Uchechi was set up by Niko Muir to open the scoring, against the run of play, on 32 minutes for the Isthmian Premier Division side – and it took until the very last minute for Slough to equalise.
Manny Williams got himself behind Hendon’s defences to net a deserved leveller, and while no more goals were scored in extra time, Slough missed their first three kicks – with Purdue saving from Matthew Lench and James Dobson – leaving Uchechi to sweep home the decisive spot-kick.
And Eastbourne Borough had to come from two goals down to beat Royston Town, with Gavin McCallum scoring on the hour mark before Harry Ransom equalised five minutes from time, and they won 4-3 in the shoot-out after Mark Smith saved three penalties.
Meanwhile there were also wins for Warrington Town, who beat Tamworth by 3-0 thanks to Jamie McDonald’s first-half double, Kidderminster Harriers and Bognor Regis Town.
Kidderminster saw off Boston United 2-0, and Ibra Sekajja – having saved the Rocks in the first tie – struck again for Bognor Regis against Hemel Hempstead Town, the only goal of the game.
On Wednesday, goals from Paul Hodges and Jake Baxter created history for Hartley Wintney as they beat Farnborough 2-1 to progress into the first round proper for the first time.
Striker Connor Calcutt pulled a goal back for Farnborough but it wasn't enough to stop Wintney progressing to face Vanarama National League side Bromley in the next round.
Wealdstone set up a contest against Wingate and Finchley in the first round proper as they came from behind to beat Chelsmford City.
Michael West put the Swans in the Clarets in front but a Danny Green penalty on the stroke of half-time levelled things up before Abobaker Eisa volleyed home from close range to sent the Stones through.
Sam Bantik netted a fine hat-trick to help Heybridge Swifts dump Kingstonian out of the cup 5-1.
The striker's trio along with Kreshnic Krasniqi and Joe Gardner's efforts helps Swifts humble the K's, who are a league above.
Elsehwere, Stockport County set up a tie with Lancaster City in the next round as two goals from Matt Warburton and an early goal from Jason Oswell were enough to beat Southport 3-0.
