BRAINTREE TOWN are through to the second round of the Setanta Shield following a 3-0 triumph over Hampton and Richmond.

The Iron got off to a fantastic start when the impressive Gareth Williams put the home side ahead.

And Braintree doubled their lead on the half hour through Billy Burgess.

An own goal in the second half wrapped up victory for the Iron and ended a run of two successive defeats.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS are still rooted to the bottom of the Ryman League premier division after conceding a late equaliser at Dartford.

Frankie Everett put Swifts ahead but Dartford hit back to force a draw.

In division one north, WITHAM TOWN came back down to earth with a bump last night after they were thrashed 6-1 by Redbridge.

After a run of three games undefeated, Tony Last's side were well beaten at the Spicer McColl Stadium, Spa Road.

Redbridge even had to play more than an hour of the game with only ten men, after Carl Bruce was shown a straight red card.

Thomas Laxton gave the visitors the lead before Nathan Scarborough added a second.

Earl Sterling made it 3-0 in the opening minutes of the second half and Harlee Dean bagged a brace to make it 5-0, before Erskine Emmanuel made it six for Redbridge.

Chris Tucker scored a consolation for Witham near the end.

MALDON TOWN were also on the wrong end of a heavy scoreline, losing 8-2 against Brentwood.

Cody McDonald and Kevin Hawes scored their consolation goals.

WIVENHOE TOWN remain top of the Ridgeons League premier division after beating Felixstowe and Walton United 3-0.

Lee Underwood gave them the lead in the opening minutes and Sam Collins made it 2-0 just after half-time, before Jamie England wrapped up victory for the Dragons near the end.

STANWAY ROVERS played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with bottom club Whitton United.

In the Essex Senior Cup first round, HARWICH AND PARKESTON were 4-1 winners over Hullbridge Sports.

And in the same competition, TIPTREE UNITED beat Mauritius Sports Association by the same scoreline.

FC CLACTON'S Essex Senior Cup clash at Clapton was postponed after the Seasiders' players were delayed getting to the game by a road traffic accident.

The tie is now expected to be played next week.