HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS were unable to halt Bostik League division north pacesetters Basildon United after sliding to a 2-1 defeat.

Jody Brown's men made a perfect start after taking the lead within 12 minutes.

But Basildon had won five out of five heading into tonight's game and extended their winning start thanks to two goals from Eljay Worrell.

His first came from the penalty spot shortly before half-time and his winner as late as the 83rd minute.

Basildon's Reece Price-Placid was sent off in the closing seconds.

Elsewhere, COGGESHALL TOWN were also denied by a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw at Brentwood Town.

After Aaron Condon put the Seedgrowers ahead in the second half, Luke Foster equalised in the 84th minute.

WITHAM TOWN dropped to the bottom of the table after losing 2-1 at home to Bury Town.

Kyran Clements and Ollie Hughes put the Suffolk side two-up at the break before Sam Ashford's penalty halved the deficit for Witham.

However, they were unable to get back on terms and the Village Glass Stadium side are now bottom as fellow strugglers Soham Town Rangers won 3-1 at Felixstowe and Walton.

MALDON AND TIPTREE had been due to entertain AFC Sudbury but instead the Suffolk side were in FA Cup action against Bognor Regis Town.