“We are still in the hat and in the FA Cup that’s what it’s all about.”

That was Jim Ward’s assessment of the 1-0 preliminary round win over Southern Counties East League, Premier Division Erith Town at Southwood on Saturday.

Joe Taylor’s strike, his third goal of the season, earned Rams another home tie against fellow Ryman League Division 1 South rivals Whyteleafe on Saturday week, after the Surrey side beat Hollands & Blair 4-2 in their replay on Tuesday night.

Joint boss Ward admitted: “It wasn’t the prettiest of games, with little free-flowing football.

“Joe’s the only one scoring, but he is playing well and with Ian Pulman injured, is our main man at the moment.

“It was a cute little finish with a nice flick from six yards.”

“Erith were an honest, young team. We knew they would be tough but we were better and got our just rewards.

“You can have some fun in the FA Cup, having got to the first round (against Nuneaton Borough) in 2005.”

Rams face a Ryman League Division 1 South Bank Holiday double-header, travelling to Molesey on Saturday, before hosting Hythe on Monday. Both games kick off at 3pm.

Ward said: “If you give me four points now, I would take them."