Walthamstow advance to FA Cup first qualifying round after beating Great Wakering Rovers

Second-half goals from Dwade James and Jack Folan confirmed Stow’s passage to the next round, where they will face Aylesbury United away from home.

A dominant display throughout from the hosts saw them unlucky to not take the lead in the first half. Folan had a header comfortably saved by Bobby Mason.

The Great Wakering keeper was also alert to thwart James on a couple of occasions, firstly tipping a header wide of the post and then getting down well to save a shot on the turn.

There weren’t any goals in the first half, but there were two red cards to make up for it – Vinny Murphy for Stow and Brandon Diau for Wakering both saw red after coming to blows following a nasty challenge.

Jamie Bennett had another opportunity for Walthamstow towards the end of the half, but Mason was to deny the home side once again by tipping the header over the bar.

A quick start to the second half saw Walthamstow finally grab the advantage when they were awarded a penalty, and James stepped up to calmly slot it home and hand them the lead.

The side were given the exact same opportunity just minutes later when another penalty was awarded, but this time James’ effort smacked off the top of the crossbar and went over.

Great Wakering began to gain a small foothold in the game, creating a few chances, but they were unable to really trouble the Walthamstow defence.

That good spell from the visitors came to an abrupt end when they were reduced to nine men – Henru Fisher the second man to walk for them after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Danny McCullock.

The second and killer goal arrived for Walthamstow late on when Folan provided a fine left-footed finish past Mason.

The win maintains Stow’s unbeaten start to the season in all competitions and they are also yet to concede a goal.

Their next match sees them return to league action tonight at home to Hadley in the Essex Senior League Premier Division.