FA Cup: Bradford Park Avenue 2, Skelmersdale 1.

Close season signing Mark Hancock scored his first goal for the club to snatch FA Cup victory for Park Avenue at Horsfall Stadium.

It was Avenue's sixth straight win and it maintained their 100 per cent record at home.

The questionable 'reward' for a spirited win over a side who had beaten Avenue's league rivals Whitley Bay 5-2 rout in the previous round is a home clash with last season's tormentors Droylsden on Saturday week.

The Manchester club won promotion to the UniBond Premier Division as Division One champions last term and Avenue would have hoped that they had seen the last of them.

In three meetings last term, Droylsden held the Indian sign over Park Avenue and won the league meeting at Horsfall 5-0.

A last-minute fitness test saw Jason Maxwell, who had been out with a rib injury, pronounced fit enough to start alongside John Francis in attack, and Damien Lee was included among the substitutes.

These factors eventually saved Avenue as manager Trevor Storton was allowed the freedom to field three potent strikers for a second half onslaught.

Skelmersdale took a first half lead following a contentious penalty award. A cross from Mark Borland struck Neil Bagshaw's arm and the referee pointed to the spot after consulting his linesman.

Robbie Cowley converted to end Avenue keeper Gavin Kelly's fine run of 485 minutes without being beaten.

Dave Donaldson replaced Stephen Ball following the midfielder's 40th minute injury and Lee was introduced for Bagshaw as the teams took the field for the second half.

After 51 minutes they were back on terms. Martin James threaded a pass through for Maxwell and he rode a tackle as he ran in to steer a low drive.

Skelmersdale keeper Rob Holcroft was beaten for a second time nine minutes later and James was again the provider.

His corner kick pinpointed the head of Hancock and the midfielder netted with a powerful header.

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