BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT suffered late heartache in a thrilling FA Cup tie at Egham Town – conceding in the 90th minute and being held to a 3-3 draw.

Tom Rothery’s men appeared on route to the third qualifying round after leading 2-0 and 3-1.

But they were pegged back by their Bostik League south central hosts and must now try again in a replay at the Taydal Stadium.

The R’s made a dream start with a goal in the eighth minute.

Harvey Hodd’s cross was finished off by Matt Baxter, applying the finishing touch to a sweeping Regent move.

A second goal followed soon after, this time by Josh Gould.

The defender fired home from the edge of the box, via a post, after great work down the left by Billy Hunt.

Kezie Ibe turned and slotted home to half the deficit but Brightlingsea gave themselves breathing space early in the second half after another goal from Gould, sweeping home a low delivery from Jake Turner.

For the second time in the match, the R’s two-goal advantage was short-lived as Ibe converted from the penalty spot, after a foul by Gould.

But after the hosts were reduced to ten men following a red card, they snatched a last-gasp equaliser through Enock Soganile.

At least Brightlingsea’s name will be in the hat for the third qualifying round – as will that of COGGESHALL TOWN, who enjoyed a 2-0 success against Evo-Stik Southern League side Walton Casuals.

Ross Wall scored midway through the first half and Michael Gyasi added their second on the hour-mark, to spark scenes of celebration at West Street.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS bowed out after conceding late goals and losing 4-3 at Bostik League south-east division side Horsham.

Jody Brown’s side led 2-0 and 3-2 at Culver Road, thanks to goals from George Craddock, Alejandro Seoane-Barber and Nicholas Brown.

But the Sussex side turned the tie on its head with two late goals and there was a further blow for Swifts following the late sending off of Luke Callander.

BRANTHAM ATHLETIC’S run is over after they lost 1-0 at home to Eastbourne Borough.

Matt Carmichael and Michael Brothers’ Imps play three levels lower than their National League South opponents and have already accrued more than £11,000 in prize money after eliminating Wivenhoe Town, Welwyn Garden City and Spalding United.