Match report by Simon Williams
Photos by Amanda Protheroe

Billericay exited the Essex Senior cup in a low-key game at Aveley on Tuesday. Having already been twice postponed, the tie never really caught the imagination of the sparse crowd.

With Saturday's big FA Trophy game in mind, Town were without a number of players, with Lee Kersey and Danny Green amongst the substitutes, whilst Ian Cousins and James Baker weren't in the squad. Dave McSweeney and Russell Pond were both suspended, Pond will now be available for the trip to Rushden. It all meant a debut for teenage striker Jacob Cleaver who showed up well in attack.

Also making a rare first team appearance was young 'keeper Lewis Lockyer, and he made a good one-handed save to deny Junior Dadson in the opening minute. That save proved to be important as Town took the lead a minute later. Harrison Chatting combined with Cleaver before the striker squared the ball to Dave Wareham who drove the ball into the back of the net.

Aveley drew level after half an hour when Ryan Edgar was afforded time and space to turn and shoot from just outside the area. Edgar then made it two when he drove in through a crowded area following an indirect free-kick.

Billericay ensured that the scores were level at half time when Dave Wareham somehow squeezed his shot past Rhys Madden from a tight angle.

The second half was a very lacklustre affair, with little action of note until the final fifteen minutes. A low drive from Sherwin Stanley gave Aveley the lead. Chris Wild almost levelled with a looping header that was acrobatically saved by Madden before a goal in the dying minutes from susbtitute David Knight wrapped up the win for the home side.

AVELEY

Team: Rhys Madden,  Ryan Doyle (c), Sam Holloway, Nicky Symons,  Michael Alaile,  Richard Ketchell,  Piers Wixon (Mitch Hahn 75m),  Darren Quinton (David Knight 80m),  Sherwin Stanley,  Ryan Edgar,  Junior Dadson

Subs Not Used: Martin Tuohy

Goalscorers: Ryan Edgar (32m,39m), Shewin Stanley (78m), David Knight (86m)

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

BILLERICAY TOWN

Team: Lewis Lockyer, Tommy Osborne, Ashley Dumas, Michael Shinn, Greg Oates Chris Wild(c), Harrison Chatting, Danny Slatter, Jacob Cleaver (Danny Green 59m), Billy Bricknell, Dave Wareham

Subs Not Used: Lee Kersey, Luca Frankis, Ryan O'Rawe

Goalscorers: Dave Wareham (2m,44m)

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

HT: 2-2
Attendance: 87