BARNTON'S progress to the first round of the FA Vase for the first time is being hailed as a massive achievement.

Having fallen at the second qualifying round stage five times previously, Sunday’s 4-0 win at home against Swallownest is rightly being celebrated.

Eden Gumbs' hat-trick was a major contribution on a day when The Villagers were dealt a blow before kick-off, losing captain Harrison Green with an injury he picked up in the midweek defeat at Cammell Laird which forced Ben Forster into the back four with Abdul Djalo playing in central midfield.

Joint manager Neil Murray said: “We were fantastic. Apart from a sloppy opening 20 minutes we controlled the game and Eden’s first goal just set the tempo. As soon as he hit it we knew it was in.”

He added: “We focused on our game plan and executing it, and the lads did what was asked of them.”

Fellow joint manager Liam Page was equally as delighted.

He said: “It was never going to be an easy team and we knew we had to be patient, missing our captain and centre back was massive for us but Ben stepped in and did a fantastic job. He didn’t lose a header all afternoon.”

The team that made history for Barnton: Lyons, Hunt, Jones, Forster, Avon, Botell, Djalo (Farrelly), Clifton, (Edwards), Anderson (White), Hill, Gumbs. Unused subs: Williams, Lambert, Taylor.

Next up for Barnton is their first home league game of the season on Wednesday evening against Cheadle Town FC, kick-off 7.45pm.

Then it's a road trip to Wythenshawe Amateurs in North West Counties Division One South on Saturday, followed by a home clash with Ellesmere Rangers on Wednesday, October 21.