Andrew White registered a second-half hat-trick as Admiral came through a stern test to book their place in the second round.

Admiral, who lead the way in the Islington Midweek League Premier Division, were frustrated by their Division One opponents during a scoreless first half.

It needed some sterling defensive work by Jake Hutchings to prevent Pearson from taking the lead, but Admiral looked a different side after the restart.

White broke the deadlock with a 25-yard piledriver, only for Pearson to hit back five minutes later – but Haben Tesim crossed for White to head home and restore his side’s lead.

Tesim then set up Niko Muir to make it 3-1 and also created the fourth goal for Admiral, which White converted to complete his treble before Pearson struck again with a late consolation.

Division One side Dover Castle pulled off the upset of the first round as they overcame top-flight strugglers West End 5-3, while the highest-scoring tie produced 12 goals as Star of Kings beat Regent Legend 9-3.

Elsewhere, last year’s league champions Cricklewood Wanderers beat Fullback 3-0, FC Islington edged out Clocktower 3-2, Islington Borough won 7-2 against Spartak and St Paul’s Celtic triumphed 3-1 against Unity.

Mavericks London beat Arsenal Positive Futures 6-2 in an all-Division Two clash, while holders Regent’s FC are due to begin their defence of the trophy on Wednesday night against Hilltop.