GRAYS Athletic beat Barkingside to progress in the Ryman League Cup as the club banished a difficult couple of days with a win.

Athletic lost manager Jody Brown to Welling United in the week, but, with Andy Swallow taking the reigns, a Joao Carlos goal proved enough to see them into round three at the expense of their Ryman One North opponents.

The goal, after 15 minutes, set up a tie against Cheshunt in the New Year.