ON the eve of a vital FA Cup third qualifying round tie, Aveley FC have been hit by the departure of one of their players who has quit for one of their derby rivals.

Last Monday Wyan Reid lined up for Aveley in their Isthmian North clash with neighbours Brentwood, who nicked a surprise 1-0 victory to end the Millers' unbeaten run from the start of the season.

Reid had featured heavily in that run, including scoring a penalty in the FA Cup at Brantham Athletic which earned tomorrow night's (Tuesday, 13 October) trip to Cray Valley Paper Mills where a win would put Aveley just one match away from the prestigious FA Cup First Round.

However, he has now decided to quit the Millers for Brentwood.

A statement from Aveley chief executive Craig Johnson says: "It is with disappointment that Wyan Reid has decided to leave Aveley for Brentwood Town.

"Wyan has developed through our system starting from the academy and then the reserves to the first team over the past three seasons.

"Wyan feels his ambition of becoming a professional footballer will be accelerated by plying his trade for his new club, who have guaranteed him a starting place in 'every game', something, sadly, we could not match.

"Wyan goes with our best wishes, and I sincerely hope he has made the right decision and his career goes from strength to strength."