DAMIAN Reeves marked his 300th appearance for Altrincham with a goal that helped keep alive their hopes of mixing it with Football League opposition once more in the FA Cup.

Renowned cup giantkillers Alty are now just 90 minutes away from going into the hat with teams from Leagues One and Two after beating Morpeth Town 3-0 and landing themselves a final qualifying round tie at home to Matlock Town, who beat Workington in a replay on Tuesday night.

Reeves, who was presented with a special shirt to acknowledge his milestone prior to kick off, set them on their way with a looping header from a Greg Wilkinson cross just before half time last weekend.

"It was great to score, but I had a couple of chances earlier on, so maybe I could have scored one or two more," said the prolific forward.

"I actually wasn't aware of the landmark until last week, but to play 300 games at this level for one club is quite rare.

"I have enjoyed every second of being here. It's a good club which has never done me wrong."

Manager Jim Harvey hailed Reeves' third goal in two cup ties so far this season but quickly turned his sights to the more pressing matter of National League North survival points at fellow strugglers Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday.

"It's brilliant for Damian," he said. "I thought his goal was one of the more difficult chances he had, but he took it superbly.

"He is clever in the box and to play 300 games for one club in today's world is something not many will achieve.

"At this level he has been hot property and the presentation before the game was more than justified.

"We again showed we are more than capable going forward, but defensively I would like us to be a lot tighter.

"When we haven't got possession, we have to be better.

"Confidence has taken a battering from such a slow, difficult start to the season and I have to build that up again and instil a way of winning games.

"If that can start at Stalybridge, brilliant."