SUBSTITUTE Ben Willoughby proved the hero as a depleted Kidlington advanced from the preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Wantage Town.

The Greens only had half a squad to select from against the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division side due to Anaclet Odhiambo’s wedding.

The Evo-Stik South League club also had captain Tom Franklin sent off.

Wantage goalkeeper Curtis Meare kept out efforts from Lance Williams, Mark Bell and Jack Quainton.

But Kidlington were reduced to ten men on 32 minutes when Franklin was shown red following a robust challenge.

After the break, Wantage’s Jack Dunmall hit a post, before Declan Benjamin cleared off the line for the hosts.

But Kidlington scored what proved to be the match-winner on 76 minutes when Willoughby fired through a cluster of players and found the net.

Didcot Town are also through to today’s draw following a 2-1 win over Hellenic League side Flackwell Heath.

The home side took the lead on 11 minutes when Sam Elkins was caught in possession and Jamie Essex raced through to find the top corner.

Louis Joyce went close for Didcot, but they equalised before the break when Callum McNish volleyed home.

The Railwaymen took the lead on 70 minutes, Joyce blasting home from a narrow angle.

Didcot had chances to extend their advantage as they comfortably saw out the victory.

North Leigh beat Uhlsport Hellenic League club Highmoor Ibis 3-1.

Michael Hopkins saw his free-kick tipped over the bar for the Millers on 15 minutes.

But they were not be denied and goals from Eddie Stevens and George Seacole put John Brough’s side 2-0 up at half-time.

Michael Hopkins and Roger James went close to extend their advantage.

But Seacole made the game safe on 75 minutes, heading home a Hopkins cross.

Alfie Grant then scored a consolation goal for Highmoor late on.

Lynton Goss hit a hat-trick and Luke Ricketts also netted as Thame United beat fellow South League side Uxbridge 4-0.

The opener arrived on 36 minutes when Goss fed Ricketts, who drove a first-time effort into the far corner.

Goss then slid home a second, before converting from the spot after Ricketts was bundled over.

Victory was sealed when Goss raced clear and completed his hat-trick.