DANNY Warrender fired Ramsbottom United into the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy on Saturday when his goal was enough to clinch an impressive victory at Blyth Spartans.

Warrender struck from 25 yards early in the second half to earn an away tie at Conference North strugglers Worcester City on November 16.

It was a seventh successive win in all competitions for Rammy who were named Evo-Stik Division One North club of the month for October after their fine run.

Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s men went into the tie as underdogs against another Conference North side with a good cup pedigree.

But they controlled most of the game from the first whistle in Northumberland.

Lee Gaskell and Phil Dean both went close early on before Dominic Smalley saw an effort on the turn just clear the Spartans bar In blustery conditions, the Rams almost took the lead from an unusual source – keeper Grant Shenton’s wind-assisted clearance that beat the Spartans defenders but sailed just wide of goal.

Gaskell and Jon Robinson both had further chances but it remained goalless at the halfway stage.

The second half kicked off in appalling weather, but the visitors soon lightened the gloom with what proved to be the only goal of the game.

Just three minutes in, Warrender left the home keeper stranded and the ball flew into the net off the foot of the post.

It was no more than the Rams deserved, as they continued to press the home defence.

A Dean cross was tipped over by the keeper, with Warrender heading over from the subsequent corner.

Then, a Grant Spencer free kick from outside the box was chalked off by a raised flag after sailing straight into the goal.

It was all going to plan for United but they were forced to play the last 19 minutes with 10 men after Dean was dismissed for foul and abusive language.

They continued to take the game to Spartans, though, and Robinson was inches wide from extending the lead following another free kick.

There was late pressure in added time from Blyth but Rammy’s back line stood firm to earn a place in the next round.

And home manager Tom Wade acknowledged his team were second best on the day.

Wade said: “It has to be said Ramsbottom were the better side, full of well-organised, experienced players, simple as that.

“They were miles better than some of the sides we play at our level and deserved to win.”

Ramsbottom were back in the north east last night in league action at high-flying Darlington 1883.

They are back on home turf on Saturday, when the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium plays host to New Mills, kick off 3pm.