Grays won through to their second final in three years as they overcame near neighbours Billericay Town to reach the final of the Robert Dyas League Cup at Mill Field on Wednesday .In a thrilling second half performance Blues came out on top in a close fought game thanks to a late penalty from Joel Nouble, Blues will now face Hendon in the Final writes The Mariner.

Blues welcomed back Jay Leader and Jey Siva to the starting eleven, Manager Bentley was forced to reshuffle the pack due to the absence of Aaron Best through illness and the cup tied James Stevens and Correy Davidson.

The visitors made the early running forcing a number of corners dealt with comfortably by the home defence,the first real opening of the game fell to GB Dumaka who chested down a through ball from Nouble firing just over,shortly after a flowing move led to a floating cross from Jey Siva with Jordan Wilson just failing to make contact, the same player then saw his effort fly just over.

Billericay's main weapon was the long throws of Ricky Sappleton always difficult to defend but with a combination of Gough,Parry and Leader the homesters managed to nullify the threat. Former Blues favourite Glen Poole was orchestrating proceedings for the visitors with his range of passes but without creating any real openings.

The opening period was a cagey affair as both sides looked to gain the upper hand goal chances were in short supply with both defences on top.Joao Carlos should have done better when he latched on to a Wilson through ball but he scuffed his shot when a goal looked likely.The visitors came close at the other end following a quick break the ball was played into Poole who's snap shot beat the Grays defence and thankfully the post.

The half was littered with free kicks the majority of which were being awarded to the visitors much to the annoyance of the home fans who were of the opinion Billericay players were going to ground to easily particularly the bulky Sappleton ,as a consequence the game was becoming increasingly scrappy,from one such free kick Poole blazed the ball high and wide.

It turned out to be a lacklustre first half which was untypical of a local derby and Cup Semi final with neither side troubling the relative keepers,it left an interesting second period in prospect.

HT 0-0

Billericay opened the brighter forcing a number of throw ins and corners which were beginning to cause problems in the home defence but their goal remained intact.Carlos who had been switched to the right to counter Nesbitt's dangerous overlaps in the first period was himself looking dangerous on the break with his pace and control causing the visitors problems.

In the 51st minute came the opening goal,following more Billericay pressure Carlos broke free on the right and was unceremoniously brought down by Nesbitt,Siva stepped up to take the free kick which was met with a towering header from Leader who powered the ball home to break the deadlock for the Blues.

The goal sparked the game into life as both sides played with more urgency ,Gough did well to push away a goal bound header from Liburd as the visitors set about looking for a way back into the game .Grays on their part were trying to find that elusive second goal to kill the game off but were undone in the 61st minute when hesitation between Parry and Gough resulted in Parry heading the ball into the path of Obafemi who gratefully accepted the gift and rolled the ball into an empty net.

It was everything to play for now ,Jordan Wilson made way for Marfo for the Blues as they went looking for the winner,Dumaka did well with a shot on the turn well saved by Joe Wright .Blues were beginning to get on top now as the visitors appeared to tire,from a Siva free kick the ball was headed out to Leader who's effort went just over,Nouble then hit the post with a snap shot.

Wright did well to punch clear under pressure from another of Siva's dangerous free kicks ,Kenny Beaney was unlucky when his effort flew just wide,Marfo just failed to reach a Carlos cross as the visitors began to buckle under the pressure.Grays were restricting their visitor to sporadic forays forcing then into long range shots on goal although the most danger was again caused by Sappelton's long throws.

With only four minutes remaining came the decisive moment in the game when from another Blues cross into the box referee Mr Jerden awarded a penalty following a foul on Dumaka who was wrestled from behind,time and again we see this type of offence go unpunished so it was a brave but correct decision from the official.Joel Nouble one of the youngest players on the park took responsibility for the kick belying his years he cooly slotted the ball home to put the Blues in touching distance of the Final.

The visitors then went all out for the equaliser forcing a succession of throws and corners as the
Blues fans were getting increasingly nervous but despite playing four minutes of injury time the home side held on to secure a place in the Club's second cup final in three years.

It was another battling performance from Bentley's team which on the evidence of their second half performance they justly deserved and is apt reward for Mark Bentley who has transformed the club's fortunes over the past few weeks.His management style is bringing out the best from his young team with valuable assistance from David Raven and Glen Little. Grays will meet Hendon in the final scheduled to be played at Whyteleaf's ground on April15th.

The only down side of the game was another booking for Jaoa Carlos who will now be suspended for matches at the end of the month.

Blues face a trip to the seaside on Saturday where they take on Bognor Regis Town who are one of the league form teams at the moment but you would not bet against the Blues on current form getting a result from the game.

Grays Athletic: Gough Morrison-Derbyshire Siva Leader Parry Bentley Wilson Beaney Dumaka Nouble Carlos
Subs: Ferguson Little Swallow Smith Marfo

Billericay Town: Wright, Sheeham, Melaugh, Edwards, Halle, Scott, Obafemi, Poole, Sappleton, Libur
Subs: Nash, Baker, Ekim, Farrell

Attendance: 211