FA Trophy

Qualifying Round

Grays Athletic 2

Cinderford Town 1

AN 84th minute penalty from Simon Thomas gave Essex-based Grays a nervy victory in this Sunday cup clash.

Grays now go to Cirencester Town in the third qualifying round.

Town led 1-0 with 25 minutes to go, but Grays fought back to satisfy their vocal fans.

Cinderford manager Paul Weeks said: "To be honest, it was an inconvenience having to play on a Sunday and it meant we were without Nick McCootie and Brad Andrews who both had to work.

"I'm disappointed with the result and the performance.

"Having said that, we've gone to a proper semi-pro club with 12 players out and only lost by the odd goal.

"Grays have experience from the top down.

"They had a midfielder who was playing for Gillingham two weeks ago and a centre-forward who used to play in the Conference.

"I'd love for us to have the sort of support they've got."

Grays manager Julian Dicks – who built a fiery reputation for himself as a left-back with West Ham and Liverpool – was sent from the dug-out for incurring the wrath of referee Constantine Hatzidakis.

Dicks watched his side fall behind to a 49th minute goal from Lee O'Connor, before Osborne levelled things up 12 minutes later.

Thomas scored the Grays winner from the penalty-spot after Greg Lewis brought down Osborne.

Lee O'Connor squandered two golden chances to force a replay late in the match.

Weeks added: "I felt we didn't grasp the opportunity. We were a bit naive and gave them too much respect.

"We've got a big game against Paulton Rovers in the league on Saturday and I'm only hoping I can put a team out. Injuries are really hurting us.

"Nick Hancock is going to be out for six or seven weeks with a knee injury which means I might have to sign more players, even though we've got 27 on our books. Peter Macklin came off on Sunday with a hamstring injury.

"We can beat Paulton. They're a good side but they won't be any better than the likes of Maidenhead or Grays."

Cinderford Town: Ben John, Jordan Branch, Dan Harrison, Greg Lewis, Jamie Powell, Sam O'Sullivan (capt), Peter Macklin, Dale Evans, Lee O'Connor, Lewis Sommers, Tom Billing. Subs: Kris Miller, Steve Peters, Joe Loftus, Alex Harris.