Aveley question match &#39;integrity&#39; after cup expulsion

Aveley were founded in 1927 and play their home games at Parkside [Getty Images]

Aveley have been thrown out of the Essex Senior Cup for fielding an ineligible player in their semi-final against Billericay Town.

The Millers won last month's tie 3-0, but Billericay will now face Great Wakering Rovers in the final of the BBC-sponsored competition on 24 March.

It follows the recent Vertu Trophy ruling which saw Swindon Town expelled from that competition for fielding two ineligible players against Luton Town.

Aveley said in a statement that they were "extremely disappointed" and had been "misinformed" about the status of the player - thought to be Fletcher Hubbard, who is on loan from Brentwood Town.

The club also claimed Billericay were "fully aware" of the situation before kick-off which made the result "irrelevant as soon as the referee started the match".

The statement added: "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."

Aveley manager Brett Munyard told the club's Youtube channel 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 purely the assumption that we would do the same in their position."

Both teams play in Isthmian League Premier Division following Aveley's relegation from National League South last season.

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

They added: "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."