Ross Murdoch’s stoppage-time winner fired Knaphill to a 1-0 win at Corinthian-Casuals in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase.

The visitors dominated the opening exchanges, controlling possession and creating a succession of chances. Charlie Plant tested Casuals goalkeeper David Wloch early on with a well-struck effort from a cleared cross on ten minutes, while Charlie Postance and Henry Gunay both forced Wloch into action with confident attempts.

Yet despite this early pressure, Knaphill found the Casuals’ defence to be organised and stubborn, with the hosts relying on Wloch’s shot-stopping and fortunate clearances to keep the score level. Both sides created half-chances throughout an end-to-end first half.

Bradley Sweeney showcased his technical ability just before half-time when he ran past four Casuals defenders, his powerful effort from distance flying just over the crossbar.

Sweeney’s pace and directness posed constant problems for the hosts, but clinical finishing eluded Knaphill in the opening 45 minutes despite creating chances that suggested they were the superior side.

The second half continued in similar fashion. Postance struck a long-range effort that Wloch saved impressively on 46 minutes, while a dangerous cross from the left flank on 75 minutes with Murdoch lurking at the far post represented another gilt-edged opportunity that went begging.

In the 89th minute, Knappers keeper Harvey Keogh produced a crucial intervention, rushing out to clear a dangerous pass from Zac Jakubowski that could have given Corinthian-Casuals the lead.

As the match approached its conclusion, Knaphill's persistence finally paid dividends.

The breakthrough arrived in the 99th minute in dramatic fashion. Sweeney, operating on the right flank with considerable space, whipped an elegant cross into the box. Murdoch, the beneficiary of intelligent positioning, reacted quickest to convert an easy tap-in that sent the Knaphill bench and travelling support into raptures.

By Jonas Poon