Royston Town thumped Rothwell Corinthians 7-2 on a day where there were goals galore in the Emirates FA Cup first round qualifying.
Rothwell, playing at this stage of the famous competition for the first time, fell behind on 18 minutes when Brandon Adams took advantage of a defensive mix-up to score the first of a hat-trick and things did not improve from there.
Southern League Premier Central high-flyers Royston were 3-0 up before half time thanks to two goals from Matt Bateman and only two consolation goals added some respectability for the visitors.
Halesowen Town also scored seven in their win over Lichfield City with Montel Gibson’s hat-trick ensuring a safe passage into the next round.
Ashley Sammons fired the hosts into a 16th-minute lead with a long-range shot into the bottom corner and doubled their lead through Jamie Molyneux minutes later.
It had looked like a close affair was in the offing when Lichfield pulled a goal back two minutes into first-half added time through James Taylor but a dominant display in the second half produced five goals.
There was another hat-trick at Knights Lane where Nabil Shariff’s second-half effort helped Stratford Town book their place in the second qualifying round with a 6-1 victory over Boldmere St Michaels.
Joseph Lyng’s own goal gave Tommy Wright’s men an early lead before Liam Hughes smashed home a penalty 13 minutes later to give the hosts a two-goal cushion.
Jack Skinner pulled a goal back for the Midland League Premier Division side two minutes into the second period but Shariff’s quick-fire double on the hour mark and then 90th minute put paid to any hopes of a comeback for Boldmere.
Hornchurch were the other team to put six past an opponent as they beat Kempston Rovers 6-0 in a win where five different players got on the scoresheet.
Joe Christou, Lewis Spence, Mickey Parcell, Chris Dickson, Matt Johnson all found the net as the home side eased in the next round.
There were plenty of goals around elsewhere too as Cinderford Town beat Bideford 5-3, Bishop’s Stortford were victorious 5-3 away to Dunstable Town, Chesham United prevailed over Fleet Town 4-2 and Highworth Town got past Exmouth Town 4-2.
It was not such a good day for AFC Rushden & Diamonds, though, who were knocked out of the Cup at the first hurdle as they were beaten 1-0 at Enfield Town.
