Bukta Southend District League outfit Sparkbridge were the bright sparks of the Section A Southend Charity Competition first round.

They took on holders Shoebury Town, from the Hadleigh Carport Southend Borough Combination, and pulled off a 2-0 away win thanks to goals from Brown and Crickmar.

However, the Charity cheer was missing for another District team, Thundersley and Hadleigh, who went down 2-0 after extra-time at Essex Intermediate League Shell Club.

Another Intermediate outfit to win through were Rayleigh Town, who triumphed 7-1 at Leigh Ramblers from the Combination, thanks to four goals from Taylor and single strikes from Edwards, Rich and Murray.

The Combination's only success here came from Southchurch Hall OS, who won 2-1 at fellow Borough Comb side Old Southendian thanks to Lamb and Bowyer.

There was more good news for the District League in Section B. Hockley and Hawkwell won at Combination Thorpe Athletic 5-3 with Lansley scoring two. Canvey Orient netted through Peacock to strut home 1-0 at fellow District side AFC Horndon.

Combination side Old Rochfordians were more than alright with two goals from Godfrey in the 3-1 win at Stambridge, while Thames Park, thanks to a Harding double, saw off fellow Combination side Shoebury OB 3-1.

In Section C Armada Sports were at their swashbuckling best as the District outfit won 4-2 at Combination Royal Bank of Scotland. Batt scored all four for the winners.

The Comb gained their revenge when Battlesbridge pulled off a 4-2 extra-time success over District side Belvedere. Wade waded in with two goals.

Stanford Wanderers were another District team flying high after giving Combination Southend Collegians a lesson with a 4-1 away win. Martin was in the news with a twin strike.

In Section D, Borough Comb Airborne United grounded District side Rayleigh to the tune of 4-2 thanks to a couple of vintage goals from Wines. However, it was District back on top again over their main rivals when Boundary won 6-1 at Leigh Town. Cardwell grabbed a hat-trick here.

Biggest win in Section E came in the all Combination clash in which Spa triumphed 7-1 at Middleway with Smith scoring two.

International PMS earned their stripes with a penalty shoot-out victory over Zebra Sports.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.