Mitchell Young looks ahead to the Essex Senior Cup semi-finals…
Concord Rangers will make the trip to either Redbridge or AFC Hornchurch in the semi-finals of the Essex Senior Cup after their penalty shootout victory over Dagenham and Redbridge.
In the other semi-final Ryman North’s Aveley FC will host Premier Division side Billericay Town.
Dates and times for the fixtures are yet to be confirmed.
Aveley manager Justin Gardner made the draw live on BBC Essex radio and pulled his own side out of the bag first, securing them a home tie against Billericay.
The Millers reached the semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over local rivals Thurrock.
Robbie Farrell headed in for the Fleet but goals from Petrit Elbi and Marcus Elliot handed Aveley the win.
Gardner said on social media: “Not a bad win that 2-1 against Thurrock into the semi-final of the Essex Senior Cup #aveleyfamily #BounceBackAbility”
Billericay booked their place in the semi-finals but they did it the hard way against Brightlingsea Regent.
The Blues were the better side for much of the game and deservedly led through Ryan Liburd’s first half header. However, Regent substitute Jake Holman sent the match to penalties with a goal in the final minute.
Billericay keeper Billy Lumley was the hero as he saved two penalties to earn his side a 3-2 shoot-out win at New Lodge.
Vanarama Conference South club Concord booked their place in the semi-finals at the expense of League Two’s Daggers, winning 4-2 on penalties, their third consecutive penalty shoot-out victory having defeated Colchester United and Grays Athletic in previous rounds.
With the teams level at 2-2, the match went to penalties. Concord keeper Josh Vickers won it for the Beachboys, saving spot-kicks from both Joe Widdowson and Abu Ogogo.
Rangers will find out who their opponents will be on Tuesday (February 3rd) when Redbridge and AFC Hornchurch meet at Oakside after the original meeting was postponed.