Sheerwater scored a stoppage-time winner to win 2-1 at Crawley Down Gatwick in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup.

The Sheers took the lead in the 12th minute when Kareem Foster’s shot deflected to the far post and Harvey Valter slotted the ball into the bottom corner despite the presence of Crawley Down keeper Alex Bellingham.

The visitors nearly doubled their advantage on 21 minutes when Foster’s delivery found Razza Ajibola, whose low shot was parried behind for a corner by Bellingham. The resulting set piece found Elliot York, who headed over the target.

Sheerwater went close again in the 27th minute when York laid the ball off to George Sellick, who struck his effort just past the post.

The Sheers had another good chance five minutes later when Sellick released York, whose shot was blocked by Bellingham.

The visitors created another good opportunity on 41 minutes when Valter headed over the bar from a corner.

The hosts came out with more purpose in the second half and got back on level terms in the 53rd minute when Ben Coward scored at the far post despite the presence of Tom Blampied.

The Sheers scored a dramatic winner in stoppage time. Keeper Joe Hill sent the ball into the home side’s penalty area and Bellingham failed to claim the ball, which allowed Blampied to head home and set up a trip to Jersey Bulls in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday, August 22 (3pm kick-off).

Sheerwater will travel to AFC Greenwich Borough in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase on Saturday, August 15 (3pm kick-off).

By Trevor Wenden