Late FA Trophy win at Brentwood Town delights Basildon United boss John Sussex

Goals from the Bees’ Adam Vyse and Ayo Odukoya were cancelled out by Michael Toner and Jason Williams.

But Kurt Smith hit a late winner to give Basildon a 3-2 victory.

“I’m very pleased that we got the win and we have gone through,” said Bees boss Sussex.

“It was a very competitive game and I think we edged it.

“It was close and I feel as though the result was a fair reflection of the game.

“Brentwood are a good side at our level, so that made victory quite sweet.

“We played well in parts and it’s great to have got some prize money from the win.

“The FA Trophy offers quite decent money, so that is an added bonus.

“Hopefully we will get a home draw in the next round and go on a bit of a run because it’s a competition we want to do well in.”

Vyse, on his return from suspension, gave the Bees a third minute lead.

But Brentwood drew level soon after the half hour mark through Toner.

Basildon restored their one-goal advantage on 72 minutes as Vyse threaded the ball through to Odukoya, who found the bottom corner of the net.

However, Brentwood quickly responded with Williams equalising.

It looked as though the tie was going to go to a replay, but Smith had other ideas and fired home with one minute remaining to ensure the Bees would triumph and clinch £2,250 in prize money.

And Sussex admits Basildon have overcome a difficult period where they were without numerous key players, including the trio of goalscorers.

“It makes a huge difference having the players back and I hadn’t been able to call on Vysey, Ayo or Kurt in recent weeks due to suspensions and injuries,” added Sussex.

“I would like to think that we are a good side when everyone is available.

“Vysey being back allowed Ayo and Ernest Okoh to go back to their natural positions and they looked more dangerous there.

“There were some good positives to take from the game and hopefully we will be able to build on the win.”