It was a nightmare start for the Rebels as they found themselves behind within the opening 90 seconds They were masters of their own downfall, as Oliver Cowdrey’s bouncing back pass was too difficult to control for goalkeeper Archie Short. Despite his best efforts, the shot-stopper couldn’t prevent the ball from making its way over the line to gift the visitors the advantage.

After a nervy start, the hosts began to find some rhythm in the contest. A crucial intervention from centre-half Chris Loko saved his side from potential danger, before Josh Harland curled over the crossbar from the subsequent corner.

Brean Plaku then flashed a dangerous delivery across the box shortly after which reached Eddie Jimenez at the back post, but the forward couldn’t sort out his feet in time to fashion an attempt on goal.

The Dockers approached the tie with bundles of energy and the Worthing defence were struggling to deal with the intensity at times. Skipper Jacob Corner sent a wicked corner over Short and onto the forehead of full-back Teddy Miles, who inexplicably missed the target from a few yards out with 20 minutes on the clock.

Chiemeka Gurr-Enyl came close to equalising with a sliced half-volley which floated the wrong side of the post from a Worthing persuasion.

Opposing ‘keeper Woody Leach was then called into action as he produced a solid stop to deny Eddie Jimenez, after the forward had been released by Will O’Brien.

The second period was largely uneventful as the Erith resistance held firm. Many attempts to break forward from the hosts were thwarted, with Loko particularly influential at the heart of their defence.

On the stroke of the 90th minute mark, the South-East London side sealed their progression into the First Round Proper as Fin Bowden was left unmarked and headed home from a corner.

Teddy Campbell was desperately unlucky not to score a spectacular third in the dying embers, with his swerving effort clipping the upright.

A sobering result for the young Rebels, who will undoubtedly learn from tonight’s performance and channel their focus and energy into the league.