WARREN Byerley enhanced his chances of earning a permanent return to the Avenue by scoring in the reserves’ 4-0 victory over Alton Town Reserves.

The former Weymouth striker, who last turned out for the county town outfit in April 2010, is on the lookout for a new employer after leaving crisis-club Kettering Town.

And he did his cause no harm on Wednesday night by netting for the Magpies’ second-string as they advanced to the third round of the Wyvern Challenge Cup.

Also on the mark for the home side were Jon Garcia, Jamie Symes and substitute Alex Godfrey.

Manager Dave Kiteley said: “It was very comfortable in the end but given the fact Alton are in the league below I would have been very disappointed if we had not got a result.

“The boys played at a decent tempo, they played some good football and there are some good points for Phil Simkin to look at with Saturday’s FA Cup match in mind.

“To be fair to Alton, they worked extremely hard in the first half. Their keeper made two or three top-class saves and if it had not been for him it would have been all over by half-time.

“We changed to a 4-4-2 formation at the break and made a double substitution. We looked a lot more comfortable in that shape and Alton began to run out of steam, which meant we dominated the second half and ran out comfortable winners.”

On the subject of Byerley’s inclusion, Kiteley added: “I have known Warren for years. It’s common knowledge what has gone on at Kettering and he is obviously looking for a new club.

“Phil wanted him to play and although it was unfortunate on Josh Tennant, he was able to watch Warren’s movement, and how he held the ball up, and pick up a few things that will help him.”

Garcia opened the scoring by pouncing on the loose ball after his initial header had been parried by the visiting custodian.

Symes then added a second with a close-range finish before Byerley met a corner at the near post and powered a header beyond the Alton keeper.

The fourth and final goal saw a six-man move finished by Godfrey, who entered the fray at half-time.

The reserves are at home once again next Wednesday as they play host to Fleet Town in Wyvern Premier League action (7.45pm).

Magpies: Tewkesbury, Taylor (Gape 46), Smeeton, Brooks (Kimber 75), Butcher, Morgan, Symes, Way, Garcia, Byerley, Martin (Godfey 46). Sub not used: Tennant.