Danny Cashman was told to play with freedom – and responded with two magical cup moments for Worthing.

The former Albion under-23s forward struck both goals as Rebels beat Bath City 2-0 in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.

His second-half double sent Rebels into the first round proper for the first time since 1999.

Cashman joined the club as a free agent earlier this season having mutually agreed his departure from Coventry City.

He is keen to get back into the professional ranks.

But Worthing, who had initially hoped to secure him on loan, are delighted to have him as their player for now.

They saw the best of him to cap what Adam Hinshelwood felt was arguably their best display of the season so far.

The Worthing boss said: “It’s massive for him. I had a good chat with him on Thursday.

“He was playing with too much pressure coming from a Championship club.

“I think he felt everything had to go through him and he had to be the matchwinner every time he stepped out on to the pitch.

“I just wanted him to play a bit of freedom and enjoy it and take that pressure away from him.

“I thought the finish for the second goal in particular - it was a great ball from Nicky (Wheeler) – but to have the composure to sidefoot with his left foot.

“We know the quality he possesses.”

“It is just a case of getting it from him as well.”

Worthing had various chances in the first half.

They made the breakthrough on 50 minutes when the presence of Joel Colbran caused chaos at a set-piece and Cashman turned to fire home his first goal for the club as he struck from close range.

Three minutes later Wheeler, who appeared to have been closed down, delivered a terrific ball from wide on the right and Cashman adeptly guided it into the top corner for the second goal.

Wheeler later saw a shot tipped over as he cut inside and Jake Robinson dragged an angled effort inches past the far post.

Worthing won despite various injury and suspensions problems.

Colbran and Joe Rye were the only recognised defenders who were available.

An appeal against a red card for Joe Felix in the recent draw with Truro failed so he started a three-match ban.

They tried to pull off last-minute deal to bring in Liam Vincent, the Portsmouth midfielder who was on loan to the club earlier this season.

Hinshelwood came up with a plan which involved midfielder Kane Wills, who has been out of the starting XI of late, playing in a back three as they took on Vanarama National League south rivals.

The Worthing boss said: “Full credit to the players.

“We turned up with 14 outfield players available and people were being asked to do jobs, like Kane playing on the left of a back three.

“Or Nicky Wheeler playing as a right-back out of possession.

“We had players playing in positions they are not quite used to and I thought it was arguably our best display of the season.

“The lads came in with a real mindset and togetherness.

“If one player missed a tackle, you knew your team-mate was going to be there.

“That was the most pleasing aspect, how well we stuck together: “I couldn’t be more proud of the players.”