Khemani Aiyanyo scored a hat-trick as Erith and Belvedere progressed to the first round of the F.A. Youth Cup at the expense of Croydon.

However, they had to dig deep as their visitors pushed them all the way in a highly charged tie. 

After a lively opening, Shairoe McDonald looked to be clear for Croydon but the Deres’ defenders got back quickly and blocked his effort.

It fell to Erith goalkeeper Toby Waller who looked up before arrowing it down the right hand side and picking out Aiyanyo. He spotted Croydon goalkeeper Khiani Ofuyaekpone rushing out and lobbed it over him and into the empty net.

Aiyanyo had another opportunity after the Croydon goalkeeper hared out to clear and it fell to him wide on the right but his first time effort from forty yards floated wide.

Solomon Tabase then had a chance for Croydon but Waller made a good block. However the Erith goalkeeper was powerless just after the half hour mark when McDonald sprung the offside trap and slotted home.

Three minutes later, the Deres went back ahead. Simon Osomo sent over a long diagonal pass to Aiyanyo, his first touch put him clear, and he made no mistake with a composed finish.

Just before half time he might have completed his hat-trick but blasted over having broken a tackle to create the opportunity.

Donald Ogurogho had a couple of chances early in the second half, first being thwarted by Ofuyaekpone who came out quickly to block, then cutting in from the right but shooting straight at the Croydon goalkeeper.

Pinball in the Erith penalty area ended when it ricocheted off Pharell Osemi and clattered the bar then Taheim Walters-Salmon shot wide from twenty-five yards. Theo Knox hit a long range shot just beyond the angle of bar and post before Maurice Edwards couldn’t get sufficient power on his header to beat Waller.

Tabase headed over from close range at the end of another goalmouth scramble as Croydon continued to press before the hosts were reduced to ten when Erith substitute Lamarr Sowah was shown a second yellow card. Waller then made a great save to keep out McDonald’s shot.

Having repelled everything thrown at them, the Deres made the game safe deep into stoppage time.  Ofuyaekpone came out to clear with his head but could only knock it straight up in the air. Although it fell to Aiyanyo with his back to goal, he executed his overhead kick perfectly and it floated into the net.

There was little time for a response and the Erith players were soon celebrating with their supporters.

Erith and Belvedere: Waller, Smith (Herron 90+8), Osomo, Aiakah, Oake (Sowah 57), Russell (Ford 77), Button, Ellis, Aiyanyo, Ogurogho, Nsubuga.

Subs not used: Herron, Springett, Miah, Khunkhun.

Goalscorers: Aiyanyo (13), (35), (90+6)

Yellow cards: Nsubuga, Sowah, Ford

Red card: Sowah

Croydon: Ofuyaekpone, Thomas, Tabase, Knox, Edwards, Dzontoh (Fadina 83), McDonald, Kelly, Walters-Salmon (Chiriseri 77), Osemi (Bailey 77), Scarlett.

Subs not used: Feffet, Obende, Scott, Bent.

Goalscorers: McDonald (32)

Yellow cards: McDonald

Referee: Jay Knight

Assistants: Emma Guest and Kane Smith

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.