Striker Adam Proudlock is aiming to help fire AFC Telford United to promotion – after blasting them into the second round of the FA Trophy.

The former Wolves man netted a fabulous hat-trick on Saturday to seal a 3-0 win away at Harrogate Town and progress in the competition.

It came less than 48 hours after he put pen to paper on a permanent contract until the end of the season – with the option of another year.

And it took the 29-year-old’s impressive goalscoring tally to nine in 11 games.

“It was a big relief to get the contract sorted because it means I’m secure until the end of the season now,” said Proudlock.

“If we’re both happy then we can take up the extension, if not then we can go our separate ways.

“But hopefully I’ll be here for a while and we can push on and get promotion, and eventually get into the League.

“I’m enjoying scoring goals and long may it continue, but the lads have been great, too – I can’t do it without any service,” he added.

The win at Harrogate earns the Bucks a place in the second round on Saturday, January 15 – meaning that their scheduled Blue Square Bet North clash at home to Droylsden will have to be rearranged.

And they were drawn at home to either Rushden & Diamonds or Eastwood Town in the next round in today’s draw.

Boss Andy Sinton was delighted to progress and also praised hosts Harrogate, who deployed a snow plough to get their pitch in a playable condition.

“It’s a very important competition,” said Sinton. “I want to go as far as we possibly can and if that’s all the way then great.

“It was a terrific performance and a terrific win.

“Credit to Harrogate for getting it on. I didn’t really want to be going up there in midweek so I was delighted that the pitch was passed fit,” he added.

By CHRIS HUDSON