Badshot Lea manager Gavin Smith was delighted with his side’s performance after they beat Sutton Common Rovers 5-3 at Westfield Lane in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.
The Baggies came flying out the traps and took the lead in the third minute through Steven Sylla’s close-range finish.
The visitors equalised on 17 minutes when Isy Nzelo headed home from a corner.
The Baggies regained the lead on 27 minutes when Sylla won a penalty before stepping up to dispatch the spot kick.
Smith’s side started the second half brightly and went 3-1 up in the 48th minute through Lamin Ceesay’s emphatic finish.
The visitors pulled it back to 3-2 on 70 minutes when Conan Torpey headed home, but Anaur Ceesay made it 4-2 in the 75th minute with a superb finish into the far corner.
Maxwell Oldham pulled it back to 4-3 in the 83rd minute, but Sylla completed his hat-trick in stoppage time to make it 5-3 and send the Baggies through to the next round.
Courtney Swaby was sent off in stoppage time for Sutton Common Rovers for a second bookable offence.
The Baggies’ reward for beating Sutton Common Rovers is a home tie against Redbridge in the third qualifying round on Saturday, October 7.
“I was pleased with our performance, especially in the first half,” said Smith. “We did what we’ve been doing well.
“They pressed us high to start with, but as soon as they knew we could play through them they dropped off and there were some really good performances.
“Going forward we looked a danger all the time. We looked a real threat, which was good. They couldn’t cope with our forward boys and our midfield.
“I’m really pleased with the first half. The second half was still good, but when we’re on top we need to make chances count. Every time you don’t do that and they get a goal back it gives them hope – we’re letting them get back in the game.
“I was disappointed as I felt we switched off a couple of times defensively – to concede three goals isn’t great but to score five in a cup game, which means a bit to the club and gets us a bit of money, is great.
“You’re not going to score every single chance at our level of football – if they were doing that we would be playing a lot higher. There were good opportunities to score on the break and maybe there was a bit of bad decision making.
“But there were some good goals and some really good performances. Although it was nerve-racking at the end when it shouldn’t have been, we’re pleased with the result.
“Steve’s goals were good – but he’s played well and looked a threat, which was important.
“He just needs that bit of belief and he needs to play.
“Anaur was a threat all afternoon – he’s looked lively when he’s come on in games and deserved to start.
“Lamin has come away with a goal and he’s always good on the ball. He doesn’t lose the ball much, so even if he’s not beating someone he’s retaining possession, which is important. We’re pleased with the squad.”
The Baggies return to Isthmian League South Central Division action with a trip to Raynes Park Vale on Saturday afternoon (3pm).
Raynes Park Vale won the Combined Counties Premier Division South title last season, with the Baggies finishing second in the league to seal their promotion.
Badshot Lea co-manager Dave Ford has decided to step down from his role at the club with immediate effect.
Ford had been at the club for more than 20 years – a spell which included managing a successful youth side through to under-18 level.