WITHAM Town withstood a late rally to beat Hertford Town 2-1 to progress to the FA Cup preliminary round, writes JIM PURTILL.

Garry Kimble's side made hard work of winning a tie that had seemed to be well within their grasp, at the Simarco Stadium.

Goals by Callum Fitzer and Deese Kasinga-Madia in the first 32 minutes proved decisive as a two-goal lead gave Hertford too much to do.

The tie started in lively fashion, with both sides looking workmanlike.

Witham made the more positive start.

Their commitment to attack found effective outlets on the left where Kasinga-Madia threatened and in the centre where the pace and power of Andrew Sesay unsettled the visitors from the start.

Sesay had already made two dangerous attacking runs before he was fouled in the penalty area by Bobby Bolden in the sixth minute.

It was a poor decision by Bolden and there was no argument about the award of a penalty or the red card that ended his contribution to the match.

Kasinga-Madia stepped up to take the spot-kick but it was saved by Daniel Purdue.

Any relief that Hertford felt was short-lived as new recruit Callum Fitzer put the home side ahead, after 12 minutes.

Witham continued to look dominant as they enjoyed the numerical advantage.

Sesay led the line well with old-fashioned centre-forward play and Fitzer stretched the Hertford defence on the right.

(Image: JIM PURTILL)

It came as no surprise when Kasnga-Madia doubled Witham's lead in the 32nd minute.

In a one-sided first half, the only significant chance for the visitors ended when Kade Bagge drove a fierce shot from the right just beyond the far post.

Apart from that there was a lack of convincing attacking play from Hertford who were focussed on containing the hosts.

At half-time a comfortable Witham win looked on the cards but in the second period it was harder for the hosts to replicate their earlier attacking rhythm.

The contest became scrappy and Hertford looked as disjointed, as both sides struggled for dominance.

A turning point of sorts occurred in the 59th minute when Sesay was sent off after receiving his second yellow card of the afternoon.

Hertford began to show their quality for the first time and attacked with energy. Witham suffered another blow in the 77th minute when Archie McFadden was carried off on a stretcher after being fouled.

The final 15 minutes of the match belonged to Hertford who reduced the arrears in the 81st minute through substitute Lanrewaju Balogun.

The goal inspired Hertford to attack and Witham were on the back foot.

Witham substitute Freddie King was well-placed to deliver a dangerous cross but the ball was gathered by Purdue.

Josh Osude embarked on two mazy runs for Witham in the final ten minutes but was unable to find team-mates with his passes.

Just before the end Balogun should have levelled the score but he shot straight at Witham goalkeeper Harry Fairs.

Witham will gladly take the win and they face Grays Athletic at Tilbury in the preliminary round.

Before that, they open their Isthmian League division north campaign at Brightlingsea Regent, on Saturday.