Harbord Seasiders United put up a courageous fight but were ultimately overpowered 5-2 by Wakehurst at Cromer Park on Sunday.
Paul Mulligans side shocked Wakehurst by opening the scoring courtesy of a Jarvis Zochling spot kick.
However Andrew Green soon equalised to ensure that both sides would head into the break level.
A five-goal second stanza saw Wakehursts clinical striker Green bring his tally up to four, before Zochling pulled one back with another penalty.
Late on the result was sealed by a spectacular Taylor Cahill free kick which ensured Frank Chiarellas first match in charge would end in victory.
Chiarella believes Harbord will prove a tricky customer for many Premier League outfits this season.
“The game was by no means as easy as the result suggests,” he said.
“I thought Harbord were quite organised and had some really strong young talent who performed well.
“They played with better intensity than us in the first half and then after an early goal in the second half we managed to push on.
“I said to Paul Mulligan after the game that Harbord are not going to make it easy for any team this season.”
Due to wet weather and FFA Cup commitments, the clash was only one of two round one fixtures played out on Saturday afternoon.
In the other match a tight encounter saw Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders emerge 3-0 victors over Manly Vale FC.
