U's through to second round
Cambridge United progressed into the Second Round Proper of the Carlsberg FA Trophy with a convincing 3-0 victory over Blue Square Bet South outfit Billericay Town.The New Lodge pitch passed a lunchtime inspection despite heavy rain in the area and the U's lined up having made three changes from last week's home draw against Tamworth.
Luke Berry, Robbie Willmott and Tom Elliott made way, the trio being replaced by Tom Shaw, Andy Pugh and Sam Smith.
The U's took the lead in the 40th minute, Michael Gash converting from the penalty spot after referee Charles Breakspear spotted a foul on the returning Smith.
Things got even better in the second half as, eight minutes in, Pugh made it 2-0 with a low finish from inside the penalty area after the hosts failed to clear a free-kick.
Elliott put the gloss on things with a third in the 88th minute, sliding fellow substitute Willmott's cross into the back of the net.
It wasn't all plain sailing for the away side and Billericay came close on a number of occasions, most noteably when James Jennings cleared off the line.
But the U's held out to preserve Jed Steer's second clean sheet in three matches and secure a safe passage into the second round.
Team: Steer, Roberts, Jennings, Coulson, McAuley, Shaw, Pugh, Jarvis, Gash, Smith, Dunk. Subs: Hedge, Elliott, Thorpe, Willmott, Haynes-Brown.