David Wright was the coolest man at chilly Church Road last night as he fired Bognor into the second round of the FA Trophy.

Rocks' classy young centre back strode forward 11 minutes from time to fire a perfect penalty into the top corner and give Jack Pearce's depleted side the reward they deserved for a battling display.

There was a touch of farce about the break-through. Goalkeeper Matt Martin looked certain to gather Adie Miles' hopeful cross but somehow let it slip from his grasp, then fouled John Mulhearn, who had just come on as substitute.

Rocks also saw Dean Lock bounce an injury time half volley off their crossbar before they could plan for a trip to Ford United in the next round.

But boss Pearce was spot on when he suggested his side had deserved a bit of luck.

He said: "We've had three players pull out today but we've put a side together and dug in for a win.

"This is a results game and I've been disappointed and embarrassed by our results this season.

"But the one thing that keeps me going is the attitude of the players. They're a good bunch and they have worked their socks off."

The work ethic was certainly in evidence in this whole hearted battle on a Whyteleafe mud heap.

It was summed up when Miles, Bognor's most renowned striker, appeared under his own crossbar to head away Stuart Massey's inswinging corner, then a few minutes later dived among the boots to block a goalbound shot.

Massey's set pieces caused most of Bognor's problems and John Keeley did well to push his 58th minute free-kick away from the top corner.

But the veteran keeper was given great protection by a back four including debutant Chris May, called up at left back from County League Broadbridge Heath.

When Bognor managed to get the ball down and play they created a handful of chances with Miles and Jamie Musselwhite going close before Wright settled matters.

The 20-year-old former Portsmouth and Crystal Palace reserve was delighted to settle the contest.

He said: "This is Palace territory and there were a few of their supporters here tonight which makes it extra special.

"As soon as we saw the pitch we knew it was going to be a dogfight but I though we got our just reward."

Whyteleafe: Martin, Dawson (sub Lock 72), Howland, Golley, Kember (sub Mason 80), Elliott, Fisher, Massey, Mtung-wazi, Nwanzi, McKay. Unused sub: Rose. Yellow Card: Martin (foul), Elliott (foul).

Bognor: Keeley, M. Rutherford, May, Wright, Pickering, Howell, Mussel-white, Birmingham, Wyatt (sub Mulhearn 77), G. Rutherford, Miles. Unused subs: Scammell, Russell, Rowland, Coleman.

Referee: Mr Jon Beadle.

Man-of-the-Match: Massey (Whyteleafe); Wright (Bognor).