Adam Grinter is the hero for Patchway against Stapleton

GFA Challenge Trophy - Patchway Town 4 DRG Stapleton 1

Adam Grinter scored twice as Patchway ran out comfortable victors over DRG Stapleton in the second round of the GFA Challenge Trophy.

Grinter opened the scoring and then struck again to restore Patchway's lead after Tristan Ferguson had responded for the visitors. Ricky Boulton scored the third for Patchway straight after the break and Callum Bailey wrapped it up midway through the second half.

Patchway manager Francis Johnson said: "We competed well. We won the majority of the second balls, which played a big part for us.

"They are a good side but we knew that. We had a plan not to rush in. We knew as long as they played in front of us we wouldn't be in any danger. This meant that we could hit them on the counter-attack.

"Today was the first time this season in which I was able to keep the same side out, which I think was a factor."

Patchway opened the scoring early on when James Stephens played a lovely through-ball to Grinter. The Patchway man let fly from just inside the area and, although Stapleton keeper Neil Hanson got his fingers to the shot, he was unable to keep it out.

Stapleton almost equalised when Ferguson put in a low ball across the six- yard box and Aaron Tayton's effort was cleared off the line by the excellent Bailey.

Stapleton grabbed an equaliser following a good move. Martin Nicholls received the ball on the right wing, following a long pass and whipped in a low cross for Ferguson to convert at the back post.

But their joy was short-lived as Patchway went back in front minutes later when Luke Drew's cross from the left found Boulton at the back post. Boulton played an excellent first-time cutback to Grinter, who produced a good turn and left-footed shot. Hanson got his hands to the ball and should have done better as it went into the back of the net.

Boulton added a third shortly after the break, majestically controlling a right-wing cross from Bailey on his chest before hitting a half-volley into the bottom left corner of the net.

Stapleton could have pulled one back after Patchway keeper Martin Alford dropped a cross at the feet of Tayton, whose shot was deflected wide when he should have done better.

The game was sealed when Stephens attempted a ball over the top to Bailey, which, with thanks to a deflection, turned into a fantastic through ball. Bailey used his explosive pace to beat his man and go round Hanson before passing the ball into an empty net.

Patchway deserved their win. They came out on top of a closely-fought first half and cruised through the second period.

After scoring their fourth goal they never looked in trouble and they saw out the game with great professionalism. A key factor in the success was the performance of holding midfielder, Marlon Francis.

He was outstanding and read the game beautifully. He gave his defence great protection and used the ball well to keep his side ticking over.

Patchway: Martin Alford, Tom Knight, Paul Francis(Ashley Brown 51), Luke Drew, Callum Bailey, Marlon Francis (Billy Mitchell 67), Tim O'Loughlin, Ricky Boulton, Adam Grinter, James Stephens (Ben Andy 80), Bradley Harris. Subs not used: Mark Woods.

DRG Stapleton: Neil Hanson, Andrew Criddle, Matt Maynard, Robert Treanor, Ricky Gingell, Tollo Taylor (Liam Powell 54), Martin Nicholls, Sam Thomas, Aaron Tayton, Leon Cozens (Ferri Ballogun 67), Tristan Ferguson. Subs not used: Robert McArthur.