BASINGSTOKE Town cruised into the next round of the FA Trophy, thanks to an excellent win at Ryman League Premier Division outfit Staines Town.

For the second Saturday running the Dragons roared to a 4-1 victory, as they completely dominated this cup tie and sunk the Swans.

After a couple of early chances, the Dragons took the lead on the 16 minute mark, as defender Rob Atkinson made a super run down the left and his cross was met by Richie Whittingham.

The midfielder back in the starting line-up for Nana Owusu, made no mistake with the finish.

The home side then had their first real chance, as Alex Tokarczyk parried away a shot from Max Worsfold.

The visitors doubled their advantage after 38 minutes, as Aaron Redford won a free-kick.

From this Whittingham’s ball into the box was met by the head of captain David Ray, who planted the ball into the net.

An expected backlash from the home side after the break never arrived, and on 54 minutes the visitors added a third goal.

Midfield general Charlie Kennedy won the ball and passed it to Redford. The striker with a superb strike left the Staines goalkeeper Jack Turner no chance.

Soon after, the home side went close as Worsfold’s header hit the post and back into the arms of Tokarczyk.

Just after the hour mark, the Dragons made it 4-0, as Ray’s header cannoned off the bar and Aaron Jarvis was in the right place at the right time, to slot home the rebound.

Sub George Hallahan went looking for a fifth goal, but was denied by the home goalie.

With seven minutes left, Staines completed the scoring as Mo Bettemer headed in from a corner.

However, by then the contest was over and now Basingstoke will wait for tomorrow’s draw, to see who their next opponents will be on Saturday November 12.

Next weekend, the Dragons are back in league action, with a trip to leaders Leamington.