AVELEY FC has launched a bitter criticism of near neighbours Billericay Town after losing out on a place in the Essex Senior Cup final.

Millers beat Billericay 3-0 in the competition semi-final on Monday, 12 January.

Playing in the match for Millers was Fletcher Hubbard, then a recent signing from National League side Braintree Town.

Prior to his move to Aveley, Hubbard spent a month on loan at Brentwood Town, during which time he played for them in an Essex Senior Cup tie against Brightlingsea Regent, which Brentwood won 3-2.

However, when Braintree completed the paperwork on Hubbard's move to Aveley, they stated he had not played in the Essex Senior Cup. Aveley failed to carry out a check on that and so thought they were able to play the midfielder in the competition.

After the semi-final Billericay, who it is alleged knew he was ineligible from the moment the match kicked off, lodged a complaint.

And the decision of Essex FA, made public yesterday (Monday, 9 February) after a window of opportunity for Aveley to appeal had passed, is that the complaint was upheld and Aveley have been expelled, meaning Billericay will play in the final against Great Wakering Rovers on Tuesday, 24 March. 

The Essex FA statement says: "Due to a breach of Rule 18(M), relating to Aveley's fielding of an ineligible player in their BBC Essex Senior Cup Semi-Final against Billericay Town on Monday 12th January 2026, and in contravention of Rule 18(F), Aveley have, unfortunately, been removed from the competition.

"In respect to the above charge, Aveley requested a personal hearing, which took place under the jurisdiction of the Kent County FA, acting on behalf of the Essex County FA. This independent commission found the charge proven. Having considered the club's mitigation, no fine was imposed.

"Furthermore, Billericay Town are reinstated into the competition. The appeal window following this hearing has now passed. We understand, and are mindful, that this development will be of disappointment to Aveley, including the club's supporters."

Aveley have issued a statement acknowledging their error and damned Billericay for their lack of sportsmanship.

The bitterness will be intensified because Billericay's manager is Danny Scopes, who became an Aveley legend by leading the club into the national league South and on many memorable FA Cup and FA Trophy wins before leaving last season after the club were relegate back to the Isthmian Premier.

Aveley's statement says: "We are extremely disappointed to advise our fans that we have been removed from the Essex Senior Cup Final, after playing what was considered an unintelligible player.

"Having completed our usual pre-match due diligence, it came to light that we were misinformed about a player's status.

"More disappointing is our opponents, being our ex-staff of the last three seasons, admitted they were fully aware before kick-off, which made the result irrelevant as soon as the referee started the match. 

"We believe the integrity of the match was compromised, with those in attendance having paid hard-earned money to watch what was already a known result by one side, to that we apologise.

"Obviously, everyone behind the scenes is disappointed, but having such a great management team and a group of players to match, we know they will use this as motivation to continue what has already been a great season.

"Finally, we feel for you, the fans, and hope you will continue to drive this collective forward as you have time and time again."

Aveley manager Brett Munyard, successor to the now damned Stokes, gave his opinions in the matter in an interview you can view here:-

He said there had been no intention on the club's part to cheat and they had been informed in writing by the player's parent club that he was eligible, which proved not to be the case.

"We broke a rule, we've been punished for it. I don't think anyone's got a problem with that," he said.

"Do I think it was conducted well? No, I don't. I think it stinks. 

"That's my opinion and the reason why I'm coming across as a little bit rattled by it is an assumption that we would do the same in their position."

Billericay said: "It is important to clarify that under competition regulations, responsibility for player eligibility rests solely with the club selecting the team.

"We appreciate that this is not how anyone wishes to progress in a cup competition. However, we respect the integrity of the rules and the authority of the Essex FA in enforcing them consistently."