Harpenden Town have confirmed their place in the FA Cup after a 10-year absence – with a crunching 6-0 win over neighbours Codicote.

The romp guarantees Town fourth place in the Spartan South Midlands League Division One and a place in the world’s oldest cup competition next season.

Jimmy Hartley, Jimmy Hill and Charlie Gould all hit a brace as Codicote struggled to cope with Harpenden’s attack.

Hartley scored first on 23 minutes after a mazy run down the left three defenders in his wake.

Hill added a second nine minutes later, getting a toe to a Hartley corner.

His second came from a Jimmy Warner assist before Town opened the floodgates with five minutes to go.

Gould got the fourth and sixth goals, with Hartley, this time after a charge down the right wing, scoring in between.

Manager Danny Plumb said: “The players were sharp today and it is great to get fourth in the league. Last year we were sixth, now fourth, so you can see I am looking forward to next season.”

This year is not over yet though with two home league games to come, against Risborough Rangers tomorrow (Wednesday) and Wodson Park on Saturday.

Next weekend’s game is part of a gala celebration day with free entry for all supporters.

Two years ago Harpenden were facing bankruptcy and relegation but have been transformed by the leadership of Plumb and chairman Roman Motyczak.

He said: “We would love it if loads of Harpenden folk can turn out for our final game to cheer on our team, it is free entry and fun for all the family.”