Cockfosters advanced from the FA Carlsberg Vase Second Qualifying round after claiming a 3-2 home victory against AFC Kempston Rovers.

The hosts, missing the injured Emond Protain and the departed Dean Barker, handed teenage striker Adem Ali a start after his treble against Wodson Park earlier in the week. With 11 minutes gone a surging run into the visitors area saw the ball pulled back to Ali, he sent a goos strike towards goal only for the effort to hit a defender’s hand.

The referee pointed to the spot and Ali fired home from 12-yards to put his side ahead.

However, the lead was short-lived and eight minutes later Rovers drew level as Ryan Smith took advantage or poor defending to equalise.

The two sides went in level at the interval but Cockfosters regained the lead shortly after the restart.

A ball into the Kempston box wasn’t properly cleared and Richard Morton fired in a 25-yard volley into the roof of the net.

With the home defence looking assured and Cockfosters controlling the game it was a surprise that it took until nine minutes from time for the hosts to extend their lead.

Another cross was not dealt with by the visitor’s defence and Lorenzo Ferrari speculative effort beat the goalkeeper and nestled in the corner.

However, the hosts had to endure a nervous final four minutes as a corner Rovers’ corner was headed home by Andrew Phillips.

But Cockfosters finished the game on the front foot and ensured they travel to Essex Senior League side Clapton in the First Round Proper on Saturday 13 October.