Havant Villa eased past Whitstable Town 4-1 in the first round qualifying of the FA Cup on Friday evening. The hosts controlled proceedings from the outset and never looked threatened after taking an early lead. Whitstable offered little resistance and found themselves eight points behind after the final whistle.
The home side struck first through a well-worked move down the left flank. A low cross was met at the back post and finished with precision into the bottom corner. The visitors tried to respond but could not find any rhythm in midfield and fell apart after the opener.
By then Havant Villa were in control of the tie and doubled their advantage before the break. A short corner worked into a tight space found the striker free in the box. He turned and fired past the stranded goalkeeper to make it two.
Whitstable pulled one back early in the second half after a defensive error. The ball rolled loose and the away forward was quick to pounce. But the equaliser lasted only minutes before the hosts went for the jugular again.
The fourth goal came from a swift counter-attack. The left-back drove forward and played a through ball that split the defence. The striker was left flat-footed as the ball rolled through to the runner who slotted home.
Havant Villa have not won since their last defeat in August but this result showed they are ready to move forward. Whitstable's recent form has been inconsistent and this result adds another low point to their record.