GRAYS Athletic had a night to forget as they were walloped 5-1 by a rampant AFC Sudbury.

Blues had earned a valuable win last midweek against Harlow and it was a feisty start against AFC Sudbury, with a number of early bookings.

Mukanya Kabobola saw an effort turned around the post before striking wide soon after.

But there was a flash point when L’heureux Menga dismissed for two yellow cards, although it appeared to be Kwabena Osei that committed the second foul.

The opening goal came five minutes before the interval, with Craig Parker heading home with aplomb.

Liam Wales shot inches wide after the break, as Grays struggled initially and Jordan Blackwell made it 2-0 just after the hour.

The forward slotted through the legs of Callum Thomas to double the lead.

Two quick-fire goals followed, with Wales heading a third and substitute Sam Bantick scoring minutes after taking to the field with a drive from range.

Blackwell crashed home a fifth and, after a host of fine saves by Thomas, Kabobola struck a late consolation.

Terry Spillane’s first match in charge of Aveley ended in defeat as his side lost 1-0 at Waltham Abbey.

The Millers started brightly enough, but could have fallen behind when full-back Michael Spencer unleashed a shot from range but his strike smashed the crossbar and was cleared to safety.

Taylor Tombides shot off target for Aveley as the pressure grew but the opening goal came against the run of play.

Greg Moorse sent a looping cross into the box and it deceived everyone to nestle in the top corner.

Sherwin Stanley was denied after the break as Aveley looked to turn up the heat but, despite a number of late chances, the goal wasn’t forthcoming.

Tilbury were comprehensively beaten in their FA Trophy preliminary round replay by Lewes.

The first match had finished 1-1 but Tilbury struggled early on and fell behind.

Ronnie Conlon scored after just five minutes, and Charlie Coppola doubled that advantage with half an hour played.

Lloyd Cotton made sure of the result 19 minutes from time as the game ended 3-0.

Thurrock progressed to the fourth round of the Essex Senior Cup with a 2-1 win at Redbridge.

Jordan Clark got both goals, including a late penalty to make sure of the result.