Grays defeat Aylesbury (From Thurrock Gazette)

Carlsberg Trophy success for Blues

8:00am Friday 21st September 2012 in Sport

NON-LEAGUE: GRAYS Athletic beat 10-man Aylesbury 2-1 at Rush Green to ensure their passage through to the first qualifying round of the FA Carlsberg Trophy.

Joe Sweeney fired home a volley from outside the box to give Blues a lead after just 16 seconds.

Brian Haule levelled the score for Aylesbury, despite being reduced to ten-men after Lee Grace was sent off for a late tackle on Grays winger Joao Carlos.

But Sweeney had not finished with Blues’ rivals. He turned provider as Grays sealed the win midway through the first half, with Carlos bagging the decisive goal.

Grays played Heybridge Swifts on Tuesday night (after this issue of the Gazette went to print) and will meet Maidstone United at Rush Green in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Aveley boss Justin Gardner has vowed to strengthen his squad and work on defending after his side’s display at the weekend.

The Millers were thrashed 5-1 by Evo-Stik Central side Royston Town in a one-sided encounter.

Billy Holland netted what was a mere consolation for Millers as they were bounced out of the FA Trophy at the first hurdle.

Aveley welcome Margate to Mill Field on Saturday. The Kent side, who sit atop the Ryman Premier League, pose a stern challenge to Millers in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.