The game never lived up to expectations as the heavy pitch stifled the tie’s free-flowing potential.

In-form Tom Line was the first to break open Town’s defence with a well-taken tap-in from close range. Five minutes later he nearly made it two, hitting the post from a similar distance.

With the first half drawing to a close, a well-placed cross from Athletic’s Mark English found Jack Hayes, who headed past the advancing keeper to extend the lead, however just two minutes later Town caught the home defence unawares to pull a goal back.

Athletic started brightly in the second half but they were shellshocked when Gary Watkins was sent off for violent conduct after kicking out at an opponent.

That, though, seemed to stir Athletic into action and it wasn’t long before Danny Laywood made it three. He also scored what looked like a good goal ten minutes later, only to see the effort ruled out for off-side.

Craig Johnson put the match beyond doubt, finishing off a good move with a well-struck shot from eight yards.

Athletic return to league duty this Saturday away to Khalsa FC.

Dunton and Broughton first team appeared to be making steady progress towards the third round of the Senior Cup against premier division Aylestone Park after taking an early 3-1 lead, but poor defending soon saw them blow the opportunity as they eventually went down 5-4.

Dunton’s goals came from Greg Richards (two), Steve Phillips and a Park defender.

The club’s reserves also exited their respective competition, losing 2-1 at Falcons from the North Leicestershire League.

North Kilworth reserves moved to second in their table with a 4-3 win, at Oakham Imperial.

In the villagers’ poorest performance of the season, they still managed to sneak a win against the bottom side.

It was a case of ‘all White on the night’ as Kilworth’s three White brothers all scored – Scott, Ryan and Aaron. Paul Favill added the fourth with a 20-yard free-kick into the top corner.