THERE were contrasting fortunes in penalty shoot-outs this afternoon (Saturday, 17 October) for two borough sides in the FA Trophy.

Aveley, who were injury hit at Hanwell Town from the Isthmian South Central Division, took the match to penalties after 90 minutes. George Sykes opened the scoring, tapping in after a defensive mix-up to put the Millers ahead after 65 minutes but Ogo Obi put Town level four minutes later when he capitalised on an under hit header from Steve Sheehan.

A tense penalty shoot-out in which both sides missed two in the regulation first five spot kicks was eventually decided when Hanwell hit the upright.

However, Tilbury were not so fortunate after drawing 2-2 at Southern League Division One Central League Aylesbury United. Cameron Brodie gave the Dockers a great start with a fourth minute goal but by half time they were 2-1 down after Oluwajuwon Akintund grabbed a double, the first a 21st minute penalty and the second five minutes before half time.

Brian Moses made it all square six minutes from time but Tilbury went down 4-2 in the ensuing shootout.

Grays Athletic, who had lost at Maldon & Tiptree in the FA Cup, returned to the Wallace Binder Stadium in the Trophy against their Isthmian North rivals and went down 4-1 on a day to forget.

Adam Vyse's 18th minute penalty set the Jammers up and goals from Aaron William-Bushell and Andre Hasanally just before the break put the game out of sight. Hamza Kaid added a fourth for the hosts eight minutes from time and Grays were then reduced to ten men when Pat Ahern picked up his second yellow and was dismissed.

Mitchel Hahn's 90th minute goal for Grays was barely a consolation.

East Thurrock United's plight at the foot of the Isthmian Premier was not helped by a 4-0 defeat at Bognor Regis.

The visitors were three down at half time thanks to a brace from Ashton Leigh and Tommy Leigh's penalty. Ashton Leigh completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the second half.