NORTHWICH Victoria booked their place in the first round proper with a convincing win over FC United of Manchester.

Andy Preece’s men deserved their victory, eventually making their class tell against spirited opponents who play one level below.

More than 2,500 supporters were there to see it.

Vics broke through shortly before the hour, Mark Danks keeping up his record of scoring in every round when he coolly converted a penalty after Lee Elam had been fouled by Dave Chadwick.

The visitors’ best chance came soon afterwards, but Curtis Aspden’s superb reaction save stopped Jerome Wright restoring parity.

Vics, through sub Jon Newby and Danks, fluffed glorious chances to settle the outcome before Adam Tong diverted Danks’ clever cross into his own goal four minutes from time.

The home team added gloss in stoppage time when another sub, Wayne Riley, gleefully applied the finishing touch after Newby had skipped past Chadwick close to the touchline.

Full match report, plus reaction, to follow.