Abingdon Tn 4, Ringmer 3: Abingdon saw off Sussex County League side Ringmer to claim a place in the second qualifying round for the first time since 1996.

However, they did it the hard way. Despite leading 2-0, 3-1 and 4-2, they made sure the supporters were kept biting their fingernails until the final whistle as Ringmer pressed for an equaliser.

It looked plain sailing for Town as they raced into a two-goal lead inside the first 25 minutes. First, Chris Potter drove left-footed past keeper Dean Lightwood.

Three minutes later, Luke Beauchamp made it 2-0 with a diving header from Chris Harper's excellent cross.

Gordon Hearmon pulled off a fine one-handed save from Baz Allen, before the visitors reduced the arrears on 35 minutes through Dominic Shepherd.

Abingdon hit back and took a 3-1 lead four minutes later with a fine goal from Beauchamp after more good work from Harper.

But right on half-time, Ringmer pulled it back again through Allen.

Again Abingdon quickly restored their two-goal advantage. Three minutes into the second half, Chris Johnson sent in a free-kick and the ball was headed back by defender Dave Tregurtha for Harper to touch home.

With Town's star man Potter having to go off injured, the visitors rallied again, with Andy Johnson's looping shot dropping perfectly into the far corner of the net to make it 4-3, with nine minutes left.

Ringmer piled everyone forward in a last-ditch attempt for an equaliser, but Town held on by the skin of their teeth.

Abingdon: Hearmon, Smith, Butler, Brewerton, Tregurtha, Johnson, Thomas, Greig, Beauchamp, Harper, Potter.

Attendance: 125.