Bucks close in on leaders with seven goal blitz at Darwen

the Bucks secure their passage into the quarter finals of the Macron Challenge Cup.

And their confidence from their midweek success was clearly evident from the offset, as with less than five minutes gone they were ahead. Josh Hamilton intercepted Karl Toner’s pass before finding Ste Jones, who took one touch before curling an unstoppable effort into the top corner of the net.

Fifteen minutes later, the Bucks doubled their lead through Kieran Haligan.

Michael Ordish advanced down the left before crossing for Haligan at the back post.

The winger coolly composed before driving a low volley into the bottom corner of the net.

Daniel Murphy then headed wide for the Bucks, before Josh Hamilton saw his effort pushed away by Ben Proctor in the Darwen goal as the Bucks went in search of a third.

And on 37 minutes, the Bucks would collect their third of the afternoon. Liam Loughlin’s pass released Haligan down the right, the winger then crossed for Josh Hamilton who curled the ball into the far corner of the net.

Four minutes later, and things got even better for Joe Doran’s side as they made it four with Murphy making amends for his earlier miss.

The centre back rose highest to head Michael Ordish’s corner home.

The Bucks completed one of their best halves of football by collecting their fifth of the afternoon. Once again Haligan was the provider, this time the winger’s cross was riffled home by Michael Ordish.

Bootle started the second half in the same manner in which they’d finished the first half – by scoring yet again.

Ste Jones released Ord- ish down the left before the winger hit the byline and crossed for Ryan Cox to head home.

Cox soon had his second of the game. Once again Jones released Ordish down the left who once again crossed for Cox, who this time had the simplest of finishes. Darwen did manage a late consolation through Conor Gaul’s deflective strike but it was that, no more than a mere consolation.