In a tense encounter Steyning managed to take their second half chances, something which they had failed to do in the first half, and the game was not made safe until Ollie Hartley rifled home from 12 yards in the final minute.

Town were making their first appearance in the competition for 12 years and a healthy travelling support had made the short hop over the Downs in hope, and pushed the crowd number in to three figures, many of which were using the fantastic new Matt Grimstone and Jacob Schilt stand. Remembering the lads who tragically lost their live in the Shoreham Air crash a few years ago.

Town stepping out in their familiar red and white stripes were without unavailable Louis Clark, Ash Elms and Tom Pickford. However such is the strength in depth of the squad at this early stage there was no place in the starting line up for last seasons regulars Hartley, Faber, Greer or Milner, who joined Cockerton, Ford and youngster Jordan Martin on the bench.

Coming in for their competitive debuts for Steyning were Callum Court at right back, young Dan Thompson and Dominik Ozga in midfield, young Alex Townley out wide and Ben Bacon up front. At centre back the familiar faces of Gainsford and skipper Levoi tucked in along side Al-Samiarie at left back, with the evergreen Rose in goal behind them. Rob Clark out wide left, and Romain made up the numbers as Steyning set out in a 4-3-3 formation.

The early exchanges were all Steyning as Worthing sat deep and just 5 minutes in young Townley accelerated in to the box and was upended. Bacon grabbed the ball and slotted home for 1-0 Steyning What a start. Town continued on the front foot as Bacon was denied one on one with a fine one handed save on 8 minutes and shortly after an Ozga low drive was held by the keeper.

Town were untroubled at this stage however on 15 minutes a 30 yard fizzer call Rose in to action for the first time as he parried the ball away. This signalled the start of a better period for the hosts as they started to knit together some good pacing moves and their runners from midfield started causing Town problems. Steyning were also starting to give the ball away cheaply and commit a lot of unnecessary fouls (in the eyes for referee Cramp anyway).

Ozga limped off for Town to be replaced by Hartley. Townley went close for Steyning with a diving header before the impressive Mckernan stung Town twice with two goals in as many minutes for Worthing. The first a thumping strike from just inside the box, the second a low finish giving Rose no chance. Steyning were suddenly on the ropes and had to dig deep to avoid further damage being inflicted as a succession of corners were forced by Worthing.

Slowly Town got back in the game and the lively Bacon was again thwarted one on one by another fine save after a fine reverse pass by Hartley, and then had a headed goal disallowed, and without the luxury of action replays it was unclear why it was disallowed.Harsh words probably needed at half time.

Half time Worthing United 2 Steyning 1

The second half started with a more open feel to it as both sides started really taking the game to each other and it became a really good cup tie. Steyning started to win more of the 50:50 balls and on 60 minutes Bacon was slid in by precision pass and calmly slotted home for 2-2. Around this time both Romain (cramp) and Townley (studded thigh and a number of hefty challenges) both left the pitch to be replaced by Milner and Faber. Faber looked particularly hungry, winning some cracking 50:50 challenges and driving the team forward.

On 78 minutes the all important third goal came for the Barrowmen. A floated pass caused indecision in the Worthing back four and Milner nipped in between three defenders and calmly rolled the balled home under the keeper. Joyous scenes in the stands for the Steyning faithful. Town then held firm, well marshalled by Levoi and Gainsford, as Worthing threw men forward.

Ex Town man Harding tested Rose with a shot from distance and then shot in to the side netting as Worthings final chances came and went. The match was finally made safe in the lastminute after excellent work down the left from Milner, meant the ball worked its way across the box to Hartley, who drove the ball home sweetly from 12 yards to cause celebration all round on and off the pitch.

A great match to celebrate 12 years absence from the FA Cup. A reward is a home tie with Bostik League Pheonix Sports (two divisions higher than us) on the 19th August.

A big crowd expected for that one. Well played to all the lads. A big thankyou to Worthing for their excellent hospitality as always and their pitch was in great nick and their new stand was very impressive.

However it was our day in the end and we are delighted to be in the next round.

Next up our league campaign starts at home to Ringmer on Saturday at 3pm. Don’t miss it.

Final score Worthing United 2 Steyning Town 4

Town: Rose, Court, Al-Samairie, Levoi, Gainsford, Romain (Faber), Thompson, Clark, Ozga (Hartley), Townley (Milner), Bacon Subs not used : Ford, Greer, Cockerton, Martin