THERE was a crushing defeat for Grays Athletic in tonight's Essex Senior Cup tie at Barking, while Tilbury also bowed out of the competition at the end of a penalty shoot-out.

If it was any consolation, just a paltry crowd of 86 were at Mayesbrook Park to witness Grays' exit.

The visitors found themselves behind to an 11th minute goal from Freddie Parker but James Smith's 36th minute equaliser lifted spirits for the travelling fans among the small crowd.

However, the optimism was short-lived as Parker's second four minutes before the break put Barking back in the driving seat.

And three minutes into the second half James Folkes made it three for Barking and any hopes Grays had of a recovery ended when Parker completed his hat-tick on the hour and Tom Salter added a fifth for the home side seven minutes later to wrap up a 5-1 triumph to add to the early Velocity Cup penalty shoot-out success they had enjoyed against the Blues.

Penalties proved to be decisive at Brentwood where a Chris Millar last minute goal for Tilbury forced the shootout.

His effort cancelled out Tom Richardson's 64th minute penalty for Brentwood but the hosts went on to win the penalty decider 4-3.