Home tie in the Senior Cup.
Billericay Town Manager Craig Edwards has described his side’s trip to Colchester United in the Fourth Round of the Essex Senior Cup as “possibly the toughest draw we could have got,” but he’s challenged his players to rise to the occasion as they travel to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.
Edwards’ Ryman League Premier Division contenders will relish the chance to take on a side from the Sky Bet Football League One club in the last 16 of the BBC Essex-supported competition after a 5-1 victory over Basildon United in the previous round. Colchester themselves won 4-0 at Great Wakering Rovers.
The delighted Town boss reacted: “In any cup draw - whether it’s the FA Cup or the Trophy - you want to get a game where you’re going to go through or a game that really excites you. This is probably the latter.
“It’s a big game for us and we’ll look forward to it. We’ve got a young side, so going to a Football League club will be a good experience for them.”
Edwards led Billericay to the Senior Cup title when they beat Aveley in the 2011 final and he relived the occasion with fondness: “It was a brilliant night because it was the first trophy they’d won in 30-odd years and the support was unbelievable.
“It was my first season there and to see what it meant to the supporters when we picked up the cup was unbelievable.”
“I say every year - put your trophies on the table. This is the most exciting team I’ve had [at Billericay] but they’re not the best yet because they haven’t won anything, so we’re desperate to win it. It’s possibly the toughest draw we could have got, but who knows? We could go over there and cause an upset.”
Elsewhere in the draw there’s a Football League incentive for Aveley and East Thurrock United to make it through their rearranged Third Round tie, with Dagenham & Redbridge waiting in the wings to host the winners. Harlow Town, who knocked out Southend United at the last stage, will be at home again as they host Redbridge or Brightlingsea Regent.
Essex’s highest non-league club, Braintree Town from the Skrill Conference Premier, will be tough opponents for Essex Senior Leaguers Barking, while the next two from the Conference South - Concord Rangers and Chelmsford City - go head-to-head at the Aspect Arena. Burnham Ramblers’ reward for a shootout win is a home game with Canvey Island. Witham Town host Thurrock and Maldon & Tiptree meet AFC Hornchurch.
There were two local managers assisting with the proceedings at BBC Essex’s Chelmsford studios. Edwards pulled out the home teams, while Takeley’s Steve Castle was responsible for the away teams.
All Fourth Round ties are all due to take place on or before 30th November, and you can follow every kick of this season’s Essex Senior Cup online at www.essexfa.com, with live match updates from a selection of games on Twitter @EssexCountyFA.
Fourth Round (on or before 30th November)
Burnham Ramblers vs Canvey Island
Harlow Town vs Redbridge or Brightlingsea Regent
Colchester United vs Billericay Town
Barking vs Braintree Town
Concord Rangers vs Chelmsford City
Witham Town vs Thurrock
Dagenham & Redbridge vs Aveley or East Thurrock United
Maldon & Tiptree vs AFC Hornchurch