A SPIRITED Millers display wasn’t enough to see them past Ryman Premier League leaders Margate, as Aveley went out of the F.A. Cup. With the sides looking destined to go into the break goalless, after an even first half, the Millers received a sucker-punch right on the half time whistle, when Ryan Dolby nodded in from a corner deep into first half stoppage time.
Thurrock managed to take advantage of Horsham pushing forward and in the 76th minute a long ball punted out of midfield found Charlie Stimson free in acres of space and beating the offside trap with just the keeper to beat, he rounded the keeper and had an open goal to blast home Thurrock’s second goal.
GRAYS ATH were humbled by a resurgent Maidstone United in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup at Rush Green. Grays started brightly with Leon Lalite pinging the ball from the middle, trying to split the Stone's defence.
It is clear the team are enjoying their new home, and none-more-so than striker Sweeney who scored his third goal in three home matches. The 22-year-old has always had the ability, but his confidence suffered last season, and he clearly struggled for form. Leon Lalite was the creator as he delivered a deep cross towards Joao Carlos at the back post. His header at goal was only palmed into the path of Sweeney, who had the simple task of tapping in from close range.
Thurrock did have two chances to reduce the deficit in the closing minutes, first when Shamir Mullings found space on the edge of the box but his shot went high and wide then Thurrock were fortunate to be awarded a penalty for hand ball when Charlie Stimson’s powerful drive hit a defenders hand. Stimson took the penalty kick but it was easily saved by keeper Chris Winterton.
Tilbury had a short period of possession but nothing to show for their efforts. Tilbury continued to be frustrated in the second half with decisions going against them by the referee. The Dockers got a consolation with 10 minutes remaining when a quickly taken free kick caught out the back line and Danny Francis scored from close range. Tilbury played out the last 12 minutes with 10 men as Tom Wraight was taken off injured. Chertsey had chances in the final few minutes hitting both the bar and post.
The keeper also reacted quickly, at point blank, to block a close range strike from Araba on 19 minutes.
The pressure was sustained and the home defence finally cracked in the 31st minute when Ryan Sammons’ well-flighted ball into the box was met by a diving Araba who steered it past Laurencian.
After an even first half, the sides went into the break at one a piece thanks to goals from Matthew Standen for Royston and Billy Holland for the Millers, but within 15 minutes of the second half the tie was over thanks to four nightmare minutes that saw Royston bag three goals.
GRAYS overcame some jittery moments to beat Aylesbury 2-1 in the preliminary round of the FA Trophy at the Rush Green Stadium.
Grays made the perfect start. Luke Marshall slipped the ball from the right into Joe Sweeney in space and after merely fifteen seconds, blasted the ball past Richard Roberts.
First real opening after three minutes when Kye Ryel burst down the left flank, driving into the box and only being denied by keeper Danny Sambridge who blocked with his feet. Five minutes later the keeper pulled off an even better save to deny Sam Higgins who had outmuscled Bradley Stepher to get a shot in on goal.
WITH the tempo of the game slowing down, it seemed just a matter of time before Lowestoft would increase their lead. A 25 yard Mitchell free kick hit the bar and rebounded down onto Marrable's head and over the bar. On 75 an identical free kick from almost the same spot saw Lowestoft get their second goal. This time Mitchell’s free kick headed for the other corner of the net to leave Marrable well beaten.
With the heat a serious concern for all involved, the referee decided to call for a drinks break 25 minutes into the match, allowing both managers the chance to have an additional team-talk, allowing them to give much needed advice to their players.
