SHAUN Reid is confident Dean Astbury’s arrival at Warrington Town will offset the loss of forward Lee Gaskell.

Former Skelmersdale striker Astbury started up top alongside Stephen Tames and Ben Wharton as the Yellows saw off higher-ranked Rushall Olympic in Tuesday's Doodson Sport Cup win.

Gaskell arrived at Cantilever Park two months ago and featured in Town’s FA Cup second round defeat at Gateshead but, hampered by a hamstring injury since, the striker has returned to former club Ramsbottom United.

Astbury netted 24 times in the Evo-Stik Premier Division last season and Reid is pleased with his new addition.

“Lee came in and did ok, but was struggling with a hamstring injury and hadn’t settled,” he explained.

“He’s a boy with ability, but we can’t afford to have players struggling with injury so it’s probably best for both parties – I wish him well.

“We did our homework and brought in Dean. He’s a clever player, a bit like Berbatov as when the ball comes to him he comes alive and goes past people as if they are not there.”

Two own goals and wonder strike from midfielder Nathan Burke at Rushall continued Town’s unbeaten start to 2015.

James McCarten caused problems in the area from a Louis Corrigan delivery on 18 minutes and the ball eventually found its way past the keeper off a Rushall defender.

Astbury created the Yellows’ second before the break, watching his low, driven cross diverted into the hosts’ net by defender Jack Duggan.

Town completed their passage to the last eight on 55 minutes when Burke slammed home from 30 yards.

Reid, who praised the performance of young right back Liam Turner on Tuesday, expects his side to continue their 2015 unbeaten run against Scarborough Athletic on Saturday.

The Seadogs currently occupy the division's final play-off spot.

“I played young Turner at right back, who was excellent, outstanding for a young kid,” explained Reid.

“It was an all-round good performance. I’m a massive believer in not conceding goals and we’ve gone back to basics.

“We’ve not conceded many recently and that’s pleasing for me as I base my team on keeping clean sheets.

“If we do that we’ll win the game as we have got goals in the side now.”