HALSTEAD TOWN defied the odds to force an FA Vase replay against Ridgeons League premier division side Wroxham.

Jody Brown’s side endured a three-hour journey to Norfolk for the rearranged second-round tie, with everything stacked against them.

They were without several key players but the division one outfit secured a magnificent 0-0 draw against the Yachtsman, after extra-time.

The replay will take place at Rosemary Lane on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

The winners of the tie will travel to play FTL Futbol Hellenic League premier division club Flackwell Heath in the third round.

FC CLACTON’S FA Vase dreams are over for another season, following Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of St Ives.

The second-round clash had to be rearranged after being postponed due to a water-logged pitch on Saturday.

But the Seasiders’ interest in the competition ended at the first hurdle - having been given a bye through the early rounds due to last season’s success - on a disappointing night at the Rush Green Bowl.

Mark White hit the post inside three minutes but that was the closest they came to troubling their Cambridgeshire opponents, who scored their all-important goals in the 51st and 71st minutes.

St Ives now play either Ely City or Woodbridge Town in the next round and Clacton boss David Coyle told the Gazette: “It was disappointing.

“We didn’t play particularly well but then for an hour or so St Ives weren’t great, either. They were there to be beaten.

“It’s a real pity as not only are we out but we’ve also lost out financially, due to getting a bye through the early rounds.

“I understand why that happened, because of what we achieved last year, but by not coming in until the second round we’ve potentially missed out on playing four games.

“OK, we might have lost the first one but had we won them all we’d have gained some much-needed revenue for the club.

“That’s what it’s about - earning money and getting through as many rounds as possible, so I’d definitely rather have started in the first qualifying stage.”

Coyle was also disappointed because he felt that had his side won they would have stood a very good chance against Ely or Woodbridge.

“I wouldn’t want to under-estimate either of them but we’d have had every chance,” he said.

In Ryman League division one north, HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS chalked up their second successive win with a 3-1 triumph over Waltham Forest.

A first-half stoppage time 25-yard free-kick by Luke Hammond sent Swifts in at the break ahead, after a fast and furious opening 45 minutes at Scraley Road.

A positive and upbeat Swifts showed pace and passion for wanting the ball, during a half which begun with Waltham Forest hitting the post on three minutes through Luke Stanley.

The free-kick from which Swifts eventually scored from had originally been directed over the bar by Nick Muir.

But an infringement in the wall by former Swift Danny Gabriel meant the set piece had to be taken again.

And Hammond drove the ball with real power through a crowd and into the left hand side of the goal.

Waltham Forest did not really get a look in for a long time in the second half and Swifts needed that cushion of a second goal.

It came on 64 minutes when Russell Malton’s low cross flashed across the face of goal and was squared back to him by Griggs.

Malton was able to turn home his third goal for the club, since joining on loan from Colchester United.

Former Waltham Forest player Sam Adejokun came on as a second-half substitute and added a third, after being sent clear by Nathan Smith’s long pass and slipping the ball calmly under keeper Tanner.

Waltham Forest grabbed a late consolation for Forest on 91 minutes when substitute Victor Boyle-Renner tucked the ball past goalkeeper Olly Sanders from 16 yards.

But it was not enough to take the gloss off Swifts’ win.