By JOHN CHUBB
@JohnCphoenixfm
Phoenix Sport
John Chubb
The FA Cup took centre stage on the show this week, with the third qualifying round featuring three ties involving local sides, two of which were our featured matches.
Andy Gardener was at New Lodge to report on Billericay Town’s tie against Biggleswade Town of the Southern League Division One Central.
The Isthmian Premier League hosts twice went into a two-goal lead, thanks to goals from John Ufuah, Toby Stevenson and Bradley Stevenson.
But Biggleswade never threw in the towel, and a 90th minute equaliser ensured a final score of 3-3.
Billericay travelled to Bedfordshire for the replay last night (Tuesday) but exited the competition as the home side scored a 3-0 victory.
Our other featured tie on Saturday saw Essex Senior League outfit Romford host Chelmsford City of the National League South at Mayesbrook Park, a tie that attracted 336 spectators, Boro’s biggest home attendance since 2005.
And the hosts staged a stubborn resistance against a side three tiers above them for much of the tie, until the Clarets found the net five times without reply in the final 36 minutes.
Goals from Adebola Oluwo, Tom Blackwell and a Khale Da Costa hat-trick saw Robbie Simpson’s side into the fourth qualifying round, where they will host National League outfit Aldershot Town, managed by former Southend United boss Mark Molesley.
The other tie of local interest was at Bridge Avenue, where Hornchurch of the Isthmian Premier League saw off National League South visitors Braintree Town with a 3-0 win. Goals from Ola Ogunwamide and Liam Nash (2) secured the Urchins’ passage to the next stage, where they once again have a home tie against a club from the NLS.
Mark Stimson’s side will face Oxford City, who won their replay away to Plymouth Parkway on Tuesday night 3-1, after the match had gone into extra-time.
The next stage sees the entry to the competition of National League clubs, and Monday’s draw saw Dagenham & Redbridge face a trip to Isthmian South East club Beckenham Town, whilst Southend United have a potentially tricky task with an away tie at fellow National League club Woking.
In Saturday’s National League matches, the Daggers suffered a 5-1 defeat away to Dorking Wanderers and Southend beat Yeovil Town 1-0 at Roots Hall.
In EFL League Two, Leyton Orient remain top but their unbeaten start to the season came to an end, as they were beaten 2-1 by Newport County at the Breyer Group Stadium. Aaron Drinan scored the O’s consolation goal.
Aveley went top of the Isthmian Premier League with a 3-1 win at home to Margate, and there was also a win for Canvey Island who beat Bognor Regis Town 3-2 at Park Lane.
In the Isthmian North, Brentwood Town continued their improved form with a 1-0 win at Coggeshall Town, and there were also wins for Great Wakering Rovers and Grays Athletic.
This week’s playlist:
Coolio Feat L.V. – Gangsta’s Paradise
Tyrone feat Leanne Louise – This Is What I Need
Stevie Wonder – Boogie On Reggae Woman
Beatles – I Am The Walrus
Reverend and the Makers – Heatwave In The Cold North
Move – Flowers In The Rain
Rainbow – All Night Long
Elton John and Britney Spears – Hold Me Closer
Robert Palmer – Every Kinda People
Frank Sinatra – Let’s Face The Music And Dance
Arctic Monkeys – There’d Better Be A Mirrorball
Liam Gallagher – Diamond In The Dark
Desmond Dekker and the Aces – Israelites
Buggles – Video Killed The Radio Star
Diana Ross – Turn Up The Sunshine
Alyson Williams – I Need Your Lovin’
Soul II Soul feat Caron Wheeler – Back To Life
Sydney Youngblood – If Only I Could
Blackbyrds – Walking In Rhythm
A Taste Of Honey – Boogie Oogie Oogie
