ALRESFORD Town reached the next round of the FA Cup with an impressive 2-1 win at fellow Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division side Sholing on Friday night in the Extra Preliminary Round.

The home side were awarded a penalty early on, but Magpies keeper Dan Kempson saved Dan Mason’s effort. The visitors took the lead in the first half through Steve Hall’s goal, and Tom Sands doubled Alresford’s advantage on 49 minutes.

Sholing were reduced to ten men when Alex Sawyer was sent off for a challenge on Alresford’s Sam Burt.

The Magpies’ Lukas McCartney was also sent off after a scuffle ensued.

Sholing pulled a goal back in stoppage time when Mason scored, but the visitors held on to seal their place in the next round.

Alresford manager Richard Luffman said: “It was a great win against a very good side. We were at our best and have had a great start to the season.

“We played some lovely football, and kept the ball in tight areas extremely well.”

Alresford will host Thatcham Town in the next round on August 19.

Thatcham are managed by former Alresford boss Danny Robinson.