Allen's Matt finish

Allen's lightning strikes ruled out any possibility of an upset against the County League division two strugglers, down and on their way out less than halfway through the first period.

Allen is not a regular starter for his Dr Martens eastern division outfit, but Wilson said: "Matt gives us an extra dimension when he plays.

"He certainly provides extra bite and I think he will score many goals in the league as well as the Cup."

Allen pounced on eight minutes when he deflected Matt Crabb's shot into the net after Wickers goalkeeper Ben Barden had turned a swirling cross onto the bar.

Allen volleyed his second after ten minutes and a superb finish following a Lee Isaac through ball saw him complete his hat-trick on 15 minutes. Allen hit No.4 after Andy Agutter had provided the opening.

Only a string of fine saves from Barden to deny Agutter, Liam Barham and Crabb prevented an even more one-sided scoreline at the interval.

But there was little even Barden could do to keep out a close-range Agutter effort in the 43rd minute following a John Snelgrove back heel.

Southwick showed more resilience after the interval and, but for a lack of sharpness in front of goal, Jack King would have at least pulled a goal back.

Wilson said: "It was hard to get going again after scoring five, but if we had needed to have stepped things up we would have done so."

Hastings Town, also in the eastern division, opened their campaign with an easy 6-1 win away to Chessington and Hook United after striking twice in the opening quarter-of-an-hour.

Boss Dean White said: "We did the job in the first half and started the game well and at times made them look a bad side.

"The early goal was important and, although they had a bit of a go after that, once we got the second the tie was as good as over."

Tony Burt opened the scoring in the second minute after the home goalkeeper had fumbled a free-kick.

Danny Simmonds doubled the lead following good work by Paul Jones who then struck a fine individual goal.

Terry White made it four just before half-time when his low free-kick went in off the far post.

Simmonds claimed his second with a glancing header before substitute Daniel Moorhouse pulled one back for the Combined Counties League side.

Hastings had the final word when White converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Steve Yates.

Eastern division St Leonards will need to try again at Jubilee Field tomorrow if they are to progress after they were held to a 1-1 draw by County League Three Bridges at The Firs.

Saints were rampant for 15 minutes during which Shaun Loft was inches away from Peter Baker's inviting cross and Loft also hit the post following a good four man move.

Carleton Chatelier saw his header cleared off the line by Dave Armstrong and Bridges keeper Matt Heasman saved from Danny Fletcher as the visitors' goal somehow remained intact.

But Bridges hit back through Doug Cashman who had a shot deflected into the side netting and from the resultant corner he made no mistake with an equaliser from close range.

The goal brought renewed confidence to the visitors but 11 minutes later Baker levelled the scores from the penalty spot after David O'Donnell felled Simon Fox.

The second half was more of a battle as Saints pushed for the win but Bridges got behind the ball, kept chances to a minimum and fully deserved another crack at an upset.

Saints manager Andy Thomson said: "We should have won the game in the first 20 minutes but we missed too many chances and if you miss chances you cause pressure for yourself.

"But I think we learned a lot and that might be the kick up the backside we needed for the replay."