Barrow AFC manager Ian Evatt could be forgiven for getting used to seeing his players put opponents to the sword after the 7-0 thumping of FC United of Manchester in the FA Trophy.

Evatt chose to name a strong team for the second round tie at Holker Street and saw that decision pay off in spectacular style, as the Bluebirds overwhelmed their in-form visitors from the Northern Premier League.

It was the second Saturday afternoon running in which they racked up such an emphatic scoreline, and they even had time to miss a penalty, with Byron Harrison having an effort saved.

It was further evidence, however, that AFC have developed a ruthless streak in front of goal that Evatt has longed for and it is allowing them to compete on two fronts in what is becoming an increasingly exceptional campaign.

Evatt said: “I hope the paying public don’t think that’s going to happen every week and that we’re going to blow teams away by seven.

“The most pleasing thing for me is that we’re developing that ruthless, clinical side.

“Seven today could have been a lot more if we’d have just chosen that final decision or final pass a little bit better, but I was pleased with how fit we looked, especially second half when the pitch got really heavy and the weather etc.

“We just went over the top of them and I said before the game that these were coming here expecting a tough game, so don’t disappoint them.

“We’re the best team in non-League for a reason and you have to go out there and prove it because you’re there to be shot at and these lads were going to try and prove themselves.

“But their attitude and commitment to the game was excellent and I’m really delighted with the result.”