Gaskin at the double in Golds’ Vase win

Both sides began the game slowly but the hosts had the first sight of goal after eight minutes as visiting goalkeeper Josh Heyburn slipped attempting a clearance.

The ball ended up at Gaskin’s feet in the centre circle with the keeper stranded, but the striker dithered over his shot, allowing Shoreham’s backline to close him down.

Littlehampton lost left-back Mitchell Hand to injury after 12 minutes, a blow considering that they were already running a skeleton staff in defence with Ross McKay the only recognised centre-half.

Mussels’ Josh Clack forced Golds’ defence to clear with an air of desperation, but it was the home side who took the lead in the 37th minute.

Gaskin picked the ball up on the edge of the box and tried his luck with a shot which deflected off Jason Pontin to completely wrong-foot Heyburn.

Shoreham could have gone into the interval on level terms had Josh Buggy not missed his kick from close range in the final minute of the half.

Mussels substitute Elliott Quant almost had an immediate impact as his cross was spilled by Jon Hendrick but Matt Fleming’s follow-up flew well over the bar.

Shoreham may have looked the more threatening, but it was Golds who doubled their lead as Liam Humphreys knocked down a corner for Gaskin to poke home from two yards after 69 minutes.

Shoreham gave themselves hope with ten minutes remaining as Gary Peters’ slip at the near post resulted in Rob Allen firing home from six yards and set up a nervy finish.

Rob O’Toole’s powerful header would have taken the tie to extra-time were it not for a fine save by Hendrick with three minutes left which preserved his side a home tie against Corinthian in the next round and £800 prize money.

Golds assistant boss Richie Hellen said: “It wasn’t a great performance but we had a number of players out and are in the hat for the next round so I can’t grumble in all honesty.”