EGERTON reached the Northern Cup last 16 with a win over Bickerstaffe reserves on Saturday.

Yellows established a four-goal lead by the break before finishing the tie in the second half with Chris Mayers, Rob Devine, Chris Trowbridge – twice – Nathan Billingham and Sebastian Waxman on target for the Knutsford outfit.

And co-manager Ben Smith hopes the win will give his Cheshire League One side confidence to climb the table.

“It was a strange game,” he said afterwards.

“Our boys showed great promise, and played the ball round with confidence.

“Their fitness levels looked good, and we scored six great goals.

“They’re all positive things to take into this weekend’s home game against Altrincham reserves.”

Egerton struck first on 10 minutes with a Mayers header at the back post before Devine finished a fine solo run with a well-placed shot to double their tally.

Trowbridge added a third goal shortly afterwards, capitalising on a defensive mistake to slot home from close range, then Billingham hit the net with a rasping drive.

However the Wigan and District Amateur League hosts hit back, netting three times in 20 minutes before Waxman eased Egerton’s fears by making it 5-3.

Trowbridge added his second, and Yellows’ sixth, with a thunderous half-volley to put the game beyond, and set up a home date with Warrington-based Old Xaverians later this month.

Kick off at Mereheath Lane on Saturday is 2pm.