HALSTEAD TOWN suffered FA Vase heartbreak after losing on penalties in their first-round proper tie at home to Tower Hamlets.

The sides drew 1-1 after 90 minutes and 2-2 after 120.

That meant a shoot-out was necessary and it was the visitors who eventually prevailed 7-5.

James Regan had put the Humbugs ahead, netting via the woodwork after his initial effort was parried by the Tower Hamlets keeper.

The visitors then levelled to ensure a nervous finale and that was the way it stayed until the end of normal time.

Tower Hamlets nosed in front in the second period of extra time but Jordan Pavett snatched a dramatic equaliser in the 119th minute.

HOLLAND FC’S Vase adventure also ended as they lost 2-1 at home to Essex Senior League high-flyers Great Wakering Rovers, on Friday night.

After conceding from the penalty spot inside ten minutes, the hosts were level at the break thanks to a precise finish from Steve Eaton.

However, Wakering grabbed a late winner – prodding home an excellent inswinging corner - to secure their place in the second round.

“It was quite an even game,” said Holland joint-boss Ray Turner.

“Their keeper made an absolutely great save – plucking the ball out of the top corner – and had that flown in we’d have gone 2-1 ahead.

“Then I’d have backed us to hold on and go through.

“It wasn’t to be but even so, I still felt positive afterwards.

“We won’t play anyone better (in our league) than Great Wakering.

“If we can compete with teams like that and nearly get something out of a match like that, it should give us confidence.”