TEAM Solent have progressed comfortably through to the last-16 of the FA Vase after a 3-0 home win against Croydon.

The Southampton Solent University side, who are the last Sydenhams Wessex club left standing in the competition, had to overcome a hard-fought first half, with the visitors proving to be a match for the South Coast team.

But the hosts took an early lead when winger Tobi Adekunle pounced onto a rebound and slotted home with just 11 minutes on the board.

This triggered a Croydon reaction, but the London side were unable to find the back of the net.

However, they did come agonisingly close just 10 minutes before the break.

Karl Douglin, who caused the hosts problems with his pace all afternoon, crossed a low, teasing ball into the box that rebounded off two Croydon players before clattering off the bar and into the arms of Solent keeper Lee Webber.

That would be the closest the visitors would come to a goal, as the hosts stormed out in the second half and took control of proceedings – to the delight of the 155-strong Test Park crowd.

Then, on 56 minutes, Solent doubled their lead.

A smart finish from defender Ellis White, who found himself free at the back post, used his feet well before slotting the ball home.

However, they weren’t finished yet. Captain Jesse Waller-Lassen capped off an outstanding half for the hosts on 74 minutes; after picking up the ball in his own half, the midfielder sprinted down the left wing and cheekily lifted it over keeper Francis Amenann.

A superb finish but sloppy passing from Croydon predominantly led to their second half downfall.

Solent will now have to wait until Monday to learn the identity of their next opponents, having already created club history by reaching the fourth round proper of lower non-League’s most prestigious cup competition.

Speaking after the match, Solent manager James Taylor praised the performance of his players.

“It was a fantastic team performance,” he said.

“Every player on that pitch has a great game; I would not rate any of them below an eight-out-of-10.

“In the first (Croydon) had a lot of quality and proved tough to break down.

“But in the second half we took control; it was a special performance.”