EAST Thurrock United's increasingly impressive start to the season got even better today (Saturday, 4 September) with an FA Cup away day win at Cambridge City.

The Rocks emerged 3-1 winners in the First Qualifying Round tie with Alex Hernandez grabbing a brace.

His first came from the penalty spot on 18 minutes and cancelled out Connor Barnes' eighth minute opener for the hosts.

And Rocks made a blistering start to the second half with a goal from Johnny Ashman just two minutes after the resumption and Hernandez grabbed his second on 49 minutes to establish a lead that Rocks held until the end.

However, there was disappointment for Tilbury who made a dream start at Ashford Town (Middx) with a goal from recently signed striker Phil Roberts in the first minute.

Dockers held the lead until the 76th minute when Jack French equalised for the hosts from the penalty spot and on 80 minutes Dylan Ive got a winner for Ashford.

Aveley were due to travel to play Ilford of the Essex Senior League but the game was called off at the last minute when the FA intervened and ruled Ilford had played an ineligible player in their preliminary round tie against Aveley's fellow Isthmian North side Barking. That match was ordered to be replayed today and Barking added insult to Ilford's sense of injustice by winning 3-2 thanks to an 89th minute winner from Kieran Jones.

Aveley will now play Barking on Tuesday evening at Mayesbrook Park.

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