In non-League football the FA Trophy reached the third round stage this week, and it was a special day for Brentwood Town of the Isthmian North who hosted National League Southend United at the Brentwood Centre Arena where a record crowd in excess of 1300 had assembled.
Southend ended up winning the tie 5-3 but the hosts – three divisions below their visitors – can be proud of their performance and even took the lead in the 11th minute through Daniel Ogunleye.
The Shrimpers eventually came through the test though, their star man being on-loan striker Bim People who helped himself to a hat-trick.
Kevin Maher’s men will face the winners of the tie between National League North outfits Southport and Peterborough Sports in the fourth round.
National League South Aveley travelled to Barnet in another tie, but the National League high-flyers provided too stern a test for the Millers who were beaten 2-0. Braintree Town and Hashtag United also exited the competition.
Dagenham & Redbridge‘s tie away to Chertsey Town fell foul of the weather, and is due to take place tomorrow night (Wednesday) instead.
If the Daggers win, their reward is a trip to Aldershot Town in the fourth round of the Trophy.
Hour 1 of the show:
Hours 2-4 of the show: