The Urchins produced a spirited display against opponents three divisions above them and came within minutes of taking the first-round tie to penalties.

Hornchurch grew into the contest after Blackpool made the brighter start, with Josh Walker testing goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell after cutting in from the right.

And the hosts stunned their visitors after 31 minutes.

Walker’s clever flick released Angelo Balanta, whose delivery found Henry Hearn at the back post to finish from close range and put the Urchins ahead.

Blackpool stepped up the pressure after the break and drew level a little over 10 minutes into the second half.

Josh Bowler’s corner reached Jordan Brown on the edge of the penalty area and he produced a superb first-time volley to make it 1-1.

Henry Hearn celebrates scoring the first goal for Hornchurch against Blackpool (Image: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo)

The visitors began to create more openings, with Ilmari Niskanen denied after another corner and Bowler forcing Arthur Nasta into a save following an impressive individual run.

But Hornchurch continued to pose a threat.

Dom Poleon was denied at the near post by Peacock-Farrell before Alfie Massey fired narrowly wide from distance.

Theo Adelusi headed wide from a teasing delivery and Henry Sandat also had an opportunity to win it late on, but his effort was comfortably saved as the tie went to extra time.

Hornchurch almost regained the lead when a dangerous cross found Poleon in the penalty area, only for the forward to fire over.

Blackpool threatened at the other end and Finley Munroe flashed a shot narrowly wide before the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Sandat was shown a straight red card for bringing down Bowler as he raced towards goal.

Munroe struck the crossbar from the resulting free-kick, but Blackpool finally found the decisive goal after 117 minutes.

Bloxham laid the ball into the path of Bowler, who curled a composed finish into the bottom corner to finally end Hornchurch’s resistance.

It was a cruel conclusion for the Urchins after they had pushed their League One opponents all the way, but Daryl McMahon’s side could take plenty of encouragement from their performance.

Hornchurch now turn their attention back to league action when they host Tamworth next weekend.