RAMSBOTTOM UNITED hit the Carlsberg FA Vase trail this weekend on the hunt for more cup success.

Ken Bridge's side enjoyed a great FA Cup preliminary round win midweek, defeating Gretna, the UniBond First Division side who have a history of reaching the first round proper.

"They have a good pedigree in the FA Cup so it was great to beat them," said the Rams chief. "And we are looking for cup success in the Vase as well, especially for the financial side, where greater prize money is at stake and it would give us a chance of better grants for things like ground improvements."

The Rams make a trip to Northern League Second Division side Evenwood Town, a bit of an unknown quantity. But Ken is relieved top scorer Russell Brierley is beginning to find his scoring boots.

"He was slow to get out of the starting blocks this season but he's started to make up for it now."

Russell's brother, defender Warren Brierley, is still out after damaging his medial ligaments and Mike Langhorn has a broken nose. But Dave Roach is ready to step into Warren's shoes as he did in the 3-2 win over Gretna.