On paper this was another tricky tie, this time in the FA Cup First Round of Qualifying, but United and hat-trick man Matt Carmichael in particular, enjoyed themselves on their visit to sunny Hertfordshire.

With Gary Phillips reverting to his first choice team, Carmichael opened his account after 23 minutes following nice play by Kieran Gallagher and Carl Hoddle.

But on 32 minutes a poor back pass by Michael Danzey allowed Pickstock to round Phillips and level at 1-1.

However, the potential upset never materialised and United upped a gear before the break. After 35 minutes a surging Danzey was felled in the box and Carmichael slotted home the penalty, then on 40 minutes Carmichael headed in his third.

Given the fact that United were a different class, there was every indication that they would double their tally in the second period. Luke Longman rifled in his first for the club on 72 minutes, but the avalanche of goals failed to arrive as United strolled to a comfortable win.