Two-time round of 16 qualifiers Edgeworth survived a scare from second-tier leaders New Lambton, winning 2-1 with a late goal in their first FFA Cup clash of 2021.
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Edgeworth scored the winner at Alder Park on Wednesday night in the 89th minute when Dylan Holz knocked in a fumbled Jeremy Brockie free kick. The NPL heavyweights earned the free kick when a runaway Brockie was taken down by Corey Nicholas, who was sent off.
Edgeworth led in the 25th minute via a strike from Adam Cawley. New Lambton, the unbeaten Northern League One leaders, equalised through Riley Taylor in the 58th minute to set up the thrilling finish.
It was the closest an NPL side had come to losing their opening Cup round, the fourth overall of NNSW preliminaries, this year.
Edgeworth coach Michael Bridges praised the effort of both clubs to make it a "memorable night".
"After the game I went and thanked all their players and staff, all the juniors they had behind their goals, because the atmosphere was absolutely electric," the former Premier League striker said.
"It reminded me of a cup atmosphere back in the UK... it was a proper cup tie.
"New Lambton probably gave us the best hit-out we've had all season. They were absolutely relentless with their press, they really wanted to play football. I just thought they were brilliant."
Bridges said teenager Cooper Hunt was impressive for his side after coming in at the back for injured skipper Josh Evans (groin).
In the final game of the round, Dudley Redhead beat West Wallsend 3-1.
