Norwich United put in a spirited performance in going down to defeat at Grays but the match was marred by Planters' striker Nathan Howard breaking his collarbone in four places.

The match had to be halted for more than 30 minutes whilst the player, who initially thought he had dislocated his shoulder after a challenge, received medical attention before being taken to hospital.

When play resumed Grays re-started the quicker of the two sides and, after good work from Luke Marshall down the right, the ball fell nicely for Joe Sweeney to score the opening goal.

The tie was effectively put out of Norwich's reach in the second half when Sweeney turned provider, as he played in Joao Carlos who finished well under pressure. The Planters refused to let their heads drop and Grays owed a debt of thanks to goalkeeper George Kamurasi for maintaining their lead.

However, there was nothing he could do about Nathan Fox's spectacular strike which set up a nervy finale but Grays held on to advance into the next round.