Thamesmead Town are through to the Second Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup after a fine win over Bostik South rivals Lewes in the Princes Park sunshine.

Two first half strikes from Paul Vines and a late strike from sub Tashi-Jay Kwayie sealed the 3-0 win as the Mead bounced back brilliantly from Monday’s reverse at VCD.

The Mead were in front inside the first minute as Bode Anidugbe did brilliantly down the right and his far post cross was powered home by Vines arriving late.  Anidugbe’s cross was near perfect yet Vines still had it all to do but the striker rose majestically to head home his fourth of the season.

Fifteen minutes later and the Mead went further ahead when Ellis Green’s powerful run into the box was crudely ended and Vines drove the spot kick beyond the keepers grasp into the bottom corner of the net.

Lewes came close to reducing the arrears when Brotherton’s free kick was powered goalwards only for Lewis Carey to pull off a stunning save, whilst at the other end, Tom O’Connor was denied by a smart save from an acute angle that saw the rebound fly across the face of goal. Shortly before half time, Alex Tenolia just couldn’t stretch enough to steer Harvey Brand’s driven centre into the net – the ball whistled inches past the post with the keeper beaten.

After the break chances came and went at both ends – Lewes coming closest when sub Landais smacked a shot against the underside of the Mead’s bar which was then hammered into touch.

The Mead then sealed progress into the next round as sub Kwayie raced into the box and drilled a low drive into the corner of the net for his third goal of the season – and one that the young striker clearly enjoyed.

The Mead then into the Second Qualifying Round for the second successive season – and the third time in six seasons – ahead of Monday lunchtime’s draw.

THE MEAD – Lewis Carey, Harvey Brand, Jake McIntyre, Scott Kinch, Leon Smith, Joe Denny, Bode Anidugbe (Laurent Mendy), Tom O’Connor, Paul Vines (Ryan Flack), Alex Teniola (Tashi-Jay Kwayie), Ellis Green
Subs – Dane Luchford, Simon Glover, Max Ovenden

Image courtesy of Allen Hollands