TIMELY substitutions by Heybridge Swifts manager Julian Dicks proved decisive as his side progressed in the Emirates FA Cup, securing a 2-1 win over Hertfordshire minnows Wormley Rovers, writes JON LONGMAN.

Ben Allen scored a late equaliser for the second successive Saturday and there was an element of luck about the even later winner from Swifts new captain Manny Osei-Owuso.

Dicks, facing his first competitive match in charge for his third spell at the Swifts, had to make the early changes as the Broxbourne visitors took a shock lead through Zion Sinclair on 30 minutes against the run of play.

The former West Ham ‘Terminator’ sent on Jack Adlington-Pile and Ben Allen after 55 minutes had elapsed with Wormley, making their FA Cup debut, threatening to inflict another early exit for the Swifts in this extra preliminary round contest at the First Call Community Stadium.

Swifts fans welcomed the tactical change as Dicks’ predecessor, Steve Tilson, was often criticised for sending on substitutes too late for them to make an impact.

(Image: ALAN EDMONDS)

The changes reaped a reward for the Swifts in the 77th minute after the home side had logged their 12th corner of the contest with Allen forcing home Kane Munday’s assist from close range.

The Swifts, bagging the £1,125 from the sponsors and a preliminary-round trip to Wormley’s Spartan South Midlands League neighbours Leverstock Green, celebrated Osei-Owuso curling home the winner six minutes later.

Osei-Owusu was all smiles as there was an element of luck as his cross crept inside the far post for the Swifts winner.

Moments later the Swifts skipper was the victim of a cynical two-footed tackle from his opposite number, Louise Offer, who was sent off by referee James Perry.

The official had an excellent afternoon as he defused a flare up between the Wormley keeper Carlos Simoen and the Swifts fans behind his goal.

Simoen had engaged in loud and jovial banter with the spectators as they were unhappy about his time-wasting tactics after Wormley had taken the lead.

Perry had to have words with Dicks and his assistant Adrian Whitbread as they joined the chorus of anger about Simoen taking far too much time over every goal-kick.

The tactic backfired as the Swifts fired home two late goals and the keeper objected to the cheeky comments from the Swifts fans.

The referee stepped in, asking the Swifts captain to plead with the spectators to tone down their comments and club secretary Steve Crisp joined the throng to monitor the fans.

The Swifts prepare for the preliminary round tie at Pancake Lane in Hemel Hempstead on Saturday week (August 17) by opening their Isthmian North campaign at home to Cambridge City on Saturday (3pm).