O’Leary’s side are in the hat for the next round following a Ben Ward-Cochrane winner in the 66th minute that will leave fans hoping for a repeat of last season’s FA Cup run.

206 fans attended on the day, as O’Leary gave home debuts to 5 new signings made over the summer for the Scholars.

It was a difficult start for the hosts, as Burbidge was called into action in the opening minutes of the game, he was forced to make a smart stop with a few blocks following to keep the Scholars level.

East Thurrock started the better of the two teams with more possession and shots, but that didn’t prevent a change in momentum around the half hour mark, as Bar made a string of quick passes outside the East Thurrock box which fell to Ken Charles, who was unlucky to see his effort go just wide.

The first half saw several of these switches, as East Thurrock regained control of the tie with an unfortunate volley that sailed just wide of the post, having forced a brave block from Tingey to stop them opening the scoring just a few minutes earlier.

At half time the game was scoreless, East Thurrock admittedly looked the better side in the first half however the Scholars had played well to weather the storm at the end of the half as well as being unfortunate not to have scored from a few of their own chances. Considering the deadlock had not yet been broken, it was a fascinating opening half.

Bar appeared to start the second half with a more attacking emphasis. Mason Tunbridge came to the fore with some powerful driving runs to get the team up the pitch and the Scholars appeared to grow in confidence as the tie went on.

By the 60th minute Bar were in control of the game, however as had been the case with East Thurrock in the first half, there was a growing concern in the stands that momentum would change hands before Bar could go in front. This would not be the case.

The first major penalty claim from O’Leary’s side came in the 64th minute, as there appeared to be players grabbing a hold of some of the Potters Bar’s players shirts, however the referee on the night waved away any appeals.

The Scholars would not have to wait long for the all-important goal. Kyei ran down the right-hand side of the pitch and cut inside, before delaying his pass which managed to wrong foot the defender, allowing Kyei time and space to find Ward-Cochrane up front. He coolly slotted the ball beyond Janata to put Bar in front with 66 minutes played.

Substitute Esan nearly had an instant impact as he made a tricky run on the left hand wing, before playing a driven cross to Kyei who had the chance to double our lead, however his shot aimed at the bottom right hand corner was well saved.

The closing stages of the game were very tense, as East Thurrock desperately attacked for an equaliser whilst the Scholars tried to defend their lead. An important block from Quarrington-Carter in the 85th minute prevented a cross to the back post that would surely have been the equaliser had Quarrington-Carter not stretched to turn the ball behind from a corner.

Tingey was booked for a foul that prevented a counterattack, which eventually led to a free kick deep into the Scholars’ half in the 93rd minute. It was a difficult one to watch from a Bar perspective as a series of shots were fired into the crowd of players, but the defence held on to keep O’Leary’s side ahead.

Full time crowned an impressive result for Bar, who are in the hat for the Second Qualifying Round for the fourth time in five years, beating an East Thurrock side who were the favourites on the night. It was thoroughly deserved for O’Leary’s players, who were excellent in both defence and attack, particularly in the second half. The Scholars now continue their league campaign at the LA Construction Stadium on Saturday against Corinthian Casuals.