IT was a day of mixed fortunes for the Gazette's BetVictor Isthmian League FA Trophy trio.

BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT and HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS both bowed out of the competition after home defeats but on-song MALDON AND TIPTREE appeared to breeze through their first qualifying round tie at home to Cray Wanderers, winning 3-0.

The Jammers, second in division north with six wins from six matches, are proving a force to be reckoned with this term and goals either side of the break put them in control at Park Drive.

Danny Parish notched both and a late third from Jorome Slew completed a highly-satisfying afternoon for Wayne Brown's FA Cup heroes, who will eagerly await their next opponents in Monday's draw.

Unfortunately, it wasn't such a successful day for Regent and Swifts.

The former looked like they could be on course for a replay after Jake Turner's penalty on the stroke of half-time cancelled out Adam Watkins' opener for visiting Royston Town.

However, Josh Castiglione pounced nine minutes from time to secure a dramatic victory for the Hertfordshire side.

It was a cruel blow for Regent and new manager Kem Izzet, who was taking charge of his first match at the Taydal Stadium.

Heybridge, like neighbours Maldon, faced opposition from the level above - the Isthmian League premier division - in the shape of Potters Bar Town.

And it was the visitors who progressed after a 2-1 victory.

Ben Ward-Cochrane put them ahead and although Alex Teniola levelled just before the hour-mark, Josh Hutchinson grabbed a winner at the Aspen Waite Arena.

Elsewhere, there were four division north fixtures and, in one of them, WITHAM TOWN secured an excellent 3-1 victory at home to Felixstowe and Walton United.

Marcus Bowers put them ahead on the stroke of half-time, George Bugg made it two just after the restart and the latter added his second six minutes from time.

Marc Benterman's side climbed to 13th as a result of their success at the Simarco Stadium.

COGGESHALL TOWN were in Essex Senior Cup action at home to Waltham Abbey but exited at the third-round stage after a 2-1 defeat.

Rob Harvey's late strike proved only a consolation after goals from Leonne McKenzie and Jack Daveney.

So there are two contenders for our performance prize - Maldon, for their Trophy triumph, and Witham.

On this occasion, it has to go to the Jammers.

Brown's side are rightly earning plenty of headlines and plaudits at the moment and this was another hugely impressive win.

To hit three goals, keep a clean sheet and win comprehensively against a team from the division above - the premier division - is no mean feat and one that makes them worthy winners of our award.