A penalty from Jack Spong, a close-range finish from Sam Packham and another goal for Temi Babalola in the latter stages of the tie was the result of a positive collective performance in Dorset.

Despite playing lower league opposition, Worthing were careful not to underestimate their foes in the world’s oldest cup competition. Prior to kick-off, Wimborne possessed a formidable home record, as they haven’t tasted defeat at the Wyatt Homes Stadium for 13 matches, dating back to early February.

Following a beautifully observed minutes silence to commemorate the passing of Billy Vigar, the visitors commenced the match by smashing the ball out of play for a goal kick.

After an evenly-contested opening quarter of an hour, Chris Agutter’s side were awarded the perfect opportunity to break the deadlock as the referee pointed to the penalty spot.

Minutes after Jack Spong had sent a header onto the roof of the net,  Babalola latched onto a searching pass from the backline. Our top scorer this season shrugged off Owen Roundell-Price before taking a touch and being wiped out by Wimborne goalkeeper Cameron Plain. The goalkeeper personified regret, as his challenge led to the concession a penalty.

Spong stepped up to take the spot-kick and sent the 24-year-old the wrong way from 12 yards to give his side a precious lead.

From that moment on, the visitors were in full control of the tie. Full-blooded challenges were flying in left, right and centre as both teams tried to stamp their mark on proceedings.

Wimborne recorded their first shot on target midway through the first period, but Seb Stacey was equal to Lewis Williams’ low free-kick.

Matt Burgess was instrumental throughout the showing and was the catalyst for Worthing’s incessant press. The former AFC Bournemouth youngster was desperately unlucky not to open his account for the Club, as he clipped the woodwork with a curling effort from outside the box.

Tim Sills’ side pressed for parity before the interval, but their opponents dealt with a barrage of set-pieces astutely to preserve their lead at the halfway point.

The Reds’ dominance resumed in the second half and Plain needed to produce a stop from point-blank range to thwart Babalola.

On the stroke of the hour mark, Packham was introduced into the fold, a decision that was justified almost instantly.

Consistent pressure resulted in Nicky Wheeler clipping a cross to the back post, where the versatile Packham was perfectly positioned to apply the finishing touch from a few yards out.

Wimborne’s attempt at a comeback was nullified by the diligent Reds, who were determined to keep a clean sheet at the Wyatt Homes Stadium.

With five minutes remaining, Bailey Smith was brought onto the pitch, another alteration that bore fruit almost immediately. The pacy forward reached the by-line and drilled a cross towards a sea of bodies in the middle. Fellow substitute Sam Roberts completely mistimed his attempted clearance which saw the ball reach the feet of Babalola.

Our number 14 confidently swept home his eighth of the season to extend his side’s lead to an unassailable one.

The rest of the game was played out with maturity to complete a strong performance on the road. We now await our fourth round qualifying opponents, with the draw scheduled to take place on Monday afternoon.