Billericay's defence of the Essex Senior Cup ended at the first hurdle on Tuesday night as the Blues came up against a strong Colchester United side with plenty of league experience. Paul Semakula gave Blues an early lead but the visitors equalised before half time and scored twice more after the break to win the tie. Town made two changes from Saturday's starting eleven with Benson Kpaka fit to return to midfield and Courtney White given a chance in impress up front. The Blues duly took the lead when a fast attacking ended with Junior Luke laying the ball into the path of the on-rushing Paul Semakula who took a touch before firing past Mark Cousins.

The lead lasted until shortly before half time when Alex Gilbey was left unmarked at the far post to head home. Colcehster almost added a second before the break but Karl Duguid's fierce drive was athletically saved by Dale Brightley.

The league one side took the lead just before the hour mark when the impressive Freddie Lapado was on hand to slot home after Brightley had saved Bradley Hamilton's initial effort. Brightley then pulled off another fine save to deny Gilbey but Colchester added a third when Craig Arnott scored from the spot after the referee awarded a penalty for a pull in the box.

Brightley, Berry, Hawes, Kpaka, Swaine, Wild, Luke (Chatting), Halle, May, White (Knight), Semakula (Edwards)

Subs not used: Radley, Ottley