Goals by Nathan Palmer and Rory Ward were sufficient to ease Erith and Belvedere into the Kent Senior Trophy semi-final in a low key match against Bearsted.
Over twenty minutes had been played before either team had a goal attempt. George Monger’s corner evaded everyone until it reached Tunde Aderonmu at the far side but his first time effort was off target.
In the thirtieth minute the deadlock was broken. Palmer dispossessed Phil Headley in midfield and noticed Bearsted goalkeeper Chris Collins off his line before hoisting his shot just under the bar from forty yards out.
Four minutes later, the Deres scored again. Lewis Chambers went up to launch a long throw, fellow centre back Rob Strachan flicked it on, and Ward fired home from close range.
Immediately after the half time break Aderonmu headed wide from Ward’s cross before Palmer’s pull back evaded Aderonmu and fell for Bradley Ryan but he screwed his shot well wide.
More skill by Palmer created space for him to get a shot away but Collins got down well to save then Ryan Palmer tried his luck with a free kick but shot straight at the Bearsted goalkeeper.
Ryan picked out Jerome Wade with a cross but Collins made a comfortable save before Ryan Palmer shot wide.
Although Bearsted moved it around nicely at times, they struggled to create anything until the final ten minutes. Jordan Ababio fired across the face of goal and Ollie Freeman shot wide before the Deres had a great chance to put the game to bed.
Nathan Palmer went on another thrilling run down the left wing and cut in, but he failed to make the most of it when his shot lacked power and Collins saved easily.
From their only corner, the visitors came close when Olu Akanni delivered low, Josh Ladlow dummied, and Freeman shot wide of the near post.
They finally registered a shot on target in the third minute of stoppage time when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area. Akanni took it but shot straight into the arms of Adam Molloy in the Deres goal.
Victory for the Deres maintained there hopes of a league and cup double while Bearsted have another quarter final ahead of them when they visit Hollands & Blair on a date to be arranged.
Erith and Belvedere: Molloy, R. Palmer, Morrison, Wade (Lugboso 79), Chambers, Strachan, Ward, Monger (Walker 61), Aderonmu (Lear 71), N. Palmer, Ryan.
Unused subs: Tijani, Emptage.
Goal scorers: N. Palmer (30), Ward (34)
Yellow cards: N. Palmer
Bearsted: Collins, Tingley, McCarthy, Headley, Watt, Melvin, Duval (Ababio 46), Wakefield (Ladlow 63), Freeman, Sanders, Kedze (Akanni 63).
Sub not used: Lake, Turton.
Goal scorers: None
Yellow cards: None
Referee: Rhys Jeffery
Assistants: John Barnard and Tom Sansom
Attendance: 49
Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.