FC UNITED avenged their only defeat of the season and moved a step closer to a trip to Wembley with a 3-2 victory against Salford City in the second round of the FA Vase.

The Rebel Reds defeated their NWCL Division One rivals, the only team to beat United this season, in front of a crowd of 2,799 at The Willows.

Tommy Turner handed Salford a dream start when he fired home in the second minute, but Karl Marginson's side responded superbly and Stuart Rudd grabbed an eighth-minute equaliser, before Simon Carden put the visitors ahead four minutes later. Captain Dave Chadwick booked United's place in the last 64 of the nationwide competition with a third on the hour, though David Burrows struck a late consolation.

Atherton Collieries, who entertain Newcastle Town in the league tonight, could not join them as they slipped to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Northern Counties East Premier outfit Glasshoughton Welfare.

Colls' Jermain Peters cancelled out a James Parkinson own goal, but Ashley Brewer sent the Castleton side through with a 71st-minute winner.

In league action, Atherton LR drew 2-2 at Formby - despite turning up 30 minutes late. Half the team and the kit were delayed on the way, and it was no surprise when Rovers conceded a third-minute opener. But goals from Duncan Richards and debutant Kayed Coppil put the visitors in front, before a Will Dolan penalty four minutes from time earned Formby a point. In Division Two, Simon Farrell scored in Daisy Hill's 1-1 draw with Chadderton.