RAMSBOTTOM United travel to Pickering Town tomorrow in the FA Trophy third qualifying round looking to extend their impressive record under new manager Chris Willcock.

The former Glossop North End boss has been in charge of the Rams for 11 games and has still yet to taste defeat.

That unbeaten run was extended on Tuesday night thanks to a 5-1 win of Yaxley in their second qualifying round replay where Nic Evangelinos bagged a hat-trick with Nialle Rodney - named the club’s player of the month for October - and Luke Thompson also target.

Willcock admits he is surprised at how quickly his new squad have gelled together and is hoping the current run of form can attract more spectators to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

“I’m surprised at how the players have bonded in such a short space of time, I thought it’d take longer,” said Willcock.

“When you inherit someone else’s squad and add a few new faces you don’t know how long it’ll take to gel.

“Full credit goes to the players for settling in so quickly. We’ve had to change the mindset of the players, who were used to losing week in week out.

“They’re taking on board the philosophy I’m encouraging in training and it’s working well out on the pitch.”

When asked about the club’s Wembley prospects Willcock said: “In this competition it’ll be really tough.

“The Conference clubs in it will be challenging, but we can definitely go another couple of rounds for sure.

“Maybe we can get a tie that’ll raise the profile of the club.”

Tomorrow’s opponents have only lost once at home all season but the Rammy manager doesn’t think that will be a factor in their game.

“It’s a cup tie, you don’t know what will happen,” he said. “There is a lot of money at stake which is vital for clubs like ours. We’ve earned around £10,000 so far in this competition.

“It’s 11 unbeaten now so we’ve just got to keep it going. It’s two teams in form so something has to give.

“Their manager was watching the Yaxley game doing his homework on us.”

Ramsbottom, who sit fourth in the Evo Stik West face a tough December as they play five of the top 10, but that does not faze Willcock.

“November has been tough as well, Yaxley was the first time we’ve been at home all month,” he added.“We’ve travelled hundreds of miles and we’re still in the competition, we’ve done well.

“Every month is tough in this league though, December will be and so will January, February, March and so on.”

Elsewhere, in the Evo Stik League West Division, fifth-placed Colne host Colwyn Bay while Clitheroe travel to Prescot Cables.

In the Hallmark Security League Premier Division, Barnoldswick Town go to rock bottom Abbey Hey while Padiham travel to Burscough.

In First Division North, AFC Darwen welcome Cleator Moor Celtic to the Anchor Ground and Nelson host Ashton Town.

Bacup host Barnton in the First Division Cup third round.