Billericay cruised into the FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round for the first time in 4 seasons with a comfortable 3-0 victory at Chipstead.

Manager Craig Edwards made one change to his side from Tuesday’s 4-1 away win at Wingate & Finchley with youngster Billy Radley coming in for the injured Paul Semakula. The opening exchanges were all Blues. Jay May twice went close when well positioned and then David Knight was denied by the home keeper. Halfway thru the half, controversy reigned, as a Chipstead player clearly guided the ball away from goal with his hand after a goalmouth scramble. The only thing missing from the home defenders attire, was his gloves! Any thoughts of “this isn’t going to be our day” were dispelled when Rob Swaine’s superb looping header put the Blues into the lead from Sam Berry’s free-kick.

Junior Luke was replaced at half-time for Harrison Chatting. The second period was played mostly in the Chipstead half as the home side failed to exert any sort of pressure on Nicky Morgan’s goal. The tie was effectively settled when David Knight was hauled down in the area, and it was he who calmly put the penalty away to score in his fourth successive game. Harrison Chatting completed the scoring when he rounded the keeper after a thru ball from Craig Edwards. The Blues now await their next opponents when the draw is made at 12noon tomorrow.

Team: Morgan, Berry, Hawes, Kpaka, Swaine (c), Thompson, Luke (Chatting HT), Edwards, May (White 77), Knight (Boot 82), Radley
Subs not used: Wild, Avery

Next Up: Blues v Hastings United - Tuesday 4th October (KO 7:45PM) - Ryman Premier League