HARROGATE Railway's lucrative run in the FA Cup continued on Saturday as Paul Marshall's men saw off Esh Winning 2-1.

Having banked around £26,000 for last season's headline grabbing exploits - and only being denied a second stab at the £20,000 on offer for the winners of fourth qualifying round when Morecambe snatched a late winner at Station View - the Railwaymen know all about the rewards the Cup can offer for a non-League outfit.

Saturday's victory swells the coffers for this year's run to £8,500, with another £7,500 on offer if they can win through the second qualifying round on September 28.

Steve Davey, who racked up six goals in the Cup last year, was again the Rail hero as his deadly double finally ended the resistance of the Northern League division two outfit.

"It was a hell of a game," said boss Marshall. "We're delighted to have got through, but these games are no good for my nerves.

"It was a good, hard-working performance against a strong side.

"The last five minutes saw them throw everyone forward and we were clinging on to be honest. They've hit the post in the last couple of minutes and then Mattie Flynn has thrown himself in front of the ball and blocked a shot that everyone has said was going in.

"Hopefully we can now get a good draw against a team on an even keel to ourselves, although I wouldn't mind facing someone from the UniBond first division or the Northern League."

A bright opening half hour was rewarded when Davey slotted home Paul Stansfield's cross, only for Winning hit back to equalise before the break.

But Davey wrapped up the victory with a delightful 25-yard lob.

Selby Town, who have been hit by early season injuries and suspensions, went out of the Cup when they lost 2-0 at Dunston Federation.

The Robins started brightly with Andy Cygan twice going close in the opening quarter of an hour.

The home side gradually got into the game and 'keeper Matt Potter had to make two good saves before half-time.

Selby continued to push forward early in the second half and Michael Barnett curled a 25-yard shot just wide.

The Gateshead-based side got on top in the closing stages and Stephen Hamil broke the deadlock in the 83rd-minute. Lee Adamson wrapped the game up in the final minute with a well-taken goal.

Updated: 12:03 Monday, September 16, 2002