By JOHN CHUBB

@JohnCphoenixfm

Aveley‘s historic FA Trophy run came to an end in yesterday’s quarter-finals, but the Isthmian North side – who reached the last eight for the first time in the club’s history – can be very proud of their acheivements in this season’s competition.

The Millers travelled to the East Midlands to face National League side Notts County, who are bidding to make a quick return to the Football League – of which they were founder menbers – following relegation last season after 131 years.

And the Magpies comprehensively won 5-0 to go through to the semi-final stage in front of a 4893 crowd, of whom well over 500 had travelled from Essex to cheer on Keith Rowland’s side.

Aveley had scored some impressive wins against higher-ranked opposition in the previous rounds, seeing off fellow local clubs Bowers & Pitsea, Hornchurch and Chelmsford City on their way to this stage.

But they found a County side in rampant form who secured a semi-final place with goals from Jim O’Brien, Tom Crawford, Sam Osborne, Kyle Wootton and Scott Wilson.

Essex’s other quarter-finalists Concord Rangers will have to wait until Tuesday evening to play their quarter-final tie against Royston Town, after it was postponed at the 11th hour due to a waterlogged pitch at the Aspect Arena.

The other two ties saw a shock win for Halesowen Town of the Southern League Division One Central, who triumphed 2-1 at National League Barnet and a victory for Harrogate Town, who won 3-2 away to fellow National League side AFC Fylde.