The Dockers negotiated the Emirates FA Cup extra preliminary round with a goal in each half to defeat Sheerwater.

The Combined Counties League side were playing their first competitive game at the impressive Eastwood Leisure Centre, but Erith made a bright start before gate-crashing the celebrations in the 10th minute.

Sam Bailey crossed low from the left and Danny Phillips ran over the ball, allowing Harry Gamble to roll his shot past Sheers’ keeper Callum Backhurst.

Adam Woodward’s side looked likely to add to their lead at that point, forcing several corners with Jack White’s towering header flying just over from Dan Nash’s in-swinger.

A couple of sloppy errors gave the hosts encouragement and Andy Walker saved from Anthony Agbonufe, before Rob Parrott rose unmarked but sent his header wide.

Having got to half-time ahead Erith made a sluggish start to the second half as Sheerwater went in search of an equaliser.

Walker denied them once again before Agbonufe headed wide at the far post when he should have scored.

Those missed opportunities came back to haunt them as Erith scored with their first chance of the second half.

Phillips won the ball on the halfway line before evading a couple of challenges to feed Fred Obasa on the right.

The Dockers’ substitute laid the ball back into the path of Harry Gamble whose far post cross was met by Michael Power who sent his header back across goal and past Backhurst.

To the credit of the hosts they continued to try and find away back but a fine save by Walker and a goal line clearance by Taylor McDonagh denied them.

Erith could have had a third with a five against two break, but Obasa’s pass failed to find a team mate.

It would be Obasa who would have the final chance with his well struck volley brilliantly turned away by Backhurst.

The preliminary round will see the Dockers travel to Cobham or Sevenoaks Town.