Billericay Town 4, Grays Athletic 3

A CONTROVERSIAL last minute penalty that completed a hat-trick for Billericay's captain Jake Robinson decided an enthralling Essex Senior Cup quarter-final at Parkside this evening (Monday, 3 January).

Grays had made a great start to the much-postponed tie which was switched to their Parkside home and Joao Carlos gave them the lead on 20 minutes when he sprinted through on goal and slotted a low finish past keeper Alan Julian.

National League South Billericay drew level in the first added minute of added time at the end of the first half when Robinson curled in a fine finish off the bar.

Grays went back ahead seven minutes into the second half when Macaulay Joynes' free-kick was headed in by Tony Stokes but Robinson produced a second equaliser just after the hour when Robinson netted from close range.

And Billericay's player manager Jamie O'Hara made his own on-field contribution on 67 minutes when he rifled in a 20 yard free kick.

But the BetVictor Isthmian North underdogs were far from done and got themselves level with 12 minutes remaing when Carlos' 20 yard shot was deflected into the corner.

Just when it seemed the tie would end all square and a penalty shoot-out ensure Billericay got the winner they wanted when a foul was awarded in the box two minutes into added time. Grays had been less than happy with the decision that gave O'Hara the opportunity to score and they were incandescent with the penalty decision.

However, Robinson put any controversy to the back of his mind and completed his special night by converting the penalty.

Billericay manager O'Hara paid tribute to 'loyal servant' Robinson, saying: "He was different class. He's a leader on the pitch, he scores goals and he stepped up again tonight.

"He leads by example."

Grays' veteran centre back Steve King was a bitterly disappointed man at the end and took to social media to tell of his pride in his teammates, but slated referee Ayrton Hurley, saying Grays were "devastated with the decisions for both the free kick and the penalty. Both completely wrong and even their players agreed."

And Grays boss Jim Cooper added: "Disappointing way to lose a game of football the way Grays did tonight but all the very best to a top Billericay side in the semi finals."

• Grays' away league match against Tilbury has been arranged for Tuesday 11 February at Chadfields, kick-off 7.45pm.