Goals either side of the half time break were enough for Grays Ath to celebrate the start of their 100th FA Cup campaign with a hard-fought victory at local rivals, Barking FC.

Since the draw was made a few weeks ago, Blues fans knew that this was going to be a tough afternoon against a side managed by one of our former managers, Craig Edwards, with a number of ex-Blues in the matchday squad. Barking have already had two league fixtures to get their season going, so Grays knew they had to be on their mettle.

Barking started the game much the brighter using their pace down both wings, with an old Blues’ adversary, Ramiah Mills, through the middle up front. And it was really no surprise when the home side took the lead on 17 minutes. Grays defence found themselves all over the place, and with the ball rebounding around the penalty area, Lekan Osideko was on hand for Barking to finish the chance past George Marsh.

In response, Grays re-organised their front line and looked to have a much better shape about them. Jordan Silcott-Brown started to give left back Joe Babbage much more to consider and tested Lamar Joseph-Johnson in the home goal, from distance.

The referee, who had what might best be described as a testing afternoon, then made a poor decision, when Sid Walker was clattered inside the penalty area - no spot kick was awarded and the game wasn’t stopped for what looked like a nasty head injury. To be fair, over the 90 minutes the officials didn't endear themselves to either side.

Barking could have stretched their lead when winger Samuel Adeyeye created a good chance for Fionn Murphy but Marsh saved comfortably.

It was looking like it was going to be a difficult half-time team talk in the Grays dressing room when Sam Bantick played a fine ball through to Callum Fitzer, who was bundled over in the area and this time, the penalty was awarded. Bantick himself despatched the spot-kick confidently, to equalise the tie.

Half time : Barking 1 v 1 Grays Athletic

Grays came out for the second half looking to take the game to the home side. Macaulay Joynes advanced down the left and put in a peach of a cross that was cleared for a corner. Bantick sent the dead ball into the area, Sid Walker challenged well and the ball dropped to Harry Hope, who finished smartly to put Grays into the lead, 2-1.

After that, it was a case of game management for Blues, with the visitors looking to assert their higher league ranking. Chances for the home side were few and far between. Alfie Attrill had their best opportunity with a header from a corner but he missed the target.

Former Blues custodian Lamar Joseph-Johnson kept his side in the game twice in quick succession with a comfortable save from a Fitzer header and then a fine piece of goalkeeping to deny Bantick on the edge of the box.

As is so often the case, the final five minutes were a bit harum-scarum with Barking throwing everything at the visitors, trying to find the goal to take the game to a replay. George Marsh was the hero for Blues, with a great close-range save to keep his side in the lead.

So it is Grays who move forward to the next round, with an away tie in a couple of weeks at Hitchen Town.

We wish Craig Edwards and his Barking side well in the Essex Senior League this season, they look to be a strong outfit.

Blues start their own league campaign next Saturday at home to newly-promoted Takeley. Who knows where things will be come the end of April.

Final score : Barking 1 v 2 Grays Athletic

Grays Ath : Marsh, Brampton, Joynes (78, Paxman), Romer, L.Clark, J.Clark, Bantick (77, Nolan-Samuels), Walker, Fitzer, Hope, Silcott-Brown (90, Shelvey)

Subs not used : Jude, Drew