BRAINTREE TOWN were beaten 3-1 at promotion-chasing Havant and Waterlooville, in their latest National League South contest.
A crazy ten-minute spell shortly after half-time saw the Iron concede two goals through basic schoolboy defensive errors.
Having gone behind on 25 minutes to Muhammadu Faal's opener in what was a fairly evenly contested first half, Jon Benton's superb free-kick levelled things up 12 minutes later.
It set up the prospect of a more entertaining second half but Charlie Ruff restored Havant's lead just after half-time and Faal wrapped up their win, in the 56th minute.
Defeat on the road despite Benton's cracking free kick
— Braintree Town FC (@braintreetownfc) January 7, 2023
Thanks to the traveling fans and The Hawks for providing the coverage. Always a tough place to go. Safe journey home to all#COYI https://t.co/bOF6RsTaai
BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT conceded a last-minute goal to draw 3-3 at Margate, in the Pitching In Isthmian League Premier.
The R's fell behind in the second minute to Matty Macarthur's strike and Ben Greenhalgh doubled the hosts' lead, 14 minutes later.
But Jack Littlejohn pulled a goal back in the 18th minute and Suleyman Zuhdu netted the R's equaliser, on the half hour.
Dominic Locke then gave Regent the lead after the break but Emmanuel Oke's 90th-minute strike rescued a point for the hosts.
Long drive home to reflect ….. no such thing as a bad point away from home in this league at this stage! Thank you to all the fans that travelled a long way! 4 points to start 2023! 🔴⚫️ https://t.co/16i1GswHbx
— brett munyard #⚽️ (@brettmunyard) January 7, 2023
Writing on social media, R's boss Brett Munyard said: 'Long drive home to reflect ….. no such thing as a bad point away from home in this league at this stage! Thank you to all the fans that travelled a long way! 4 points to start 2023!'
Rob Harvey is our Hat-trick hero 👏⚽️
— Heybridge Swifts FC (@officialswifts) January 7, 2023
📷 @edmonds_alan pic.twitter.com/LVcGjH9usp
In division north, Rob Harvey was HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS' hat-trick hero in their 5-1 triumph over Basildon United.
Rhys Henry also scored twice as Steve Tilson's side cruised to victory.
A late penalty by Harry Phillips secured MALDON AND TIPTREE a 1-0 win at Tilbury to maintain their fine start to life under new boss Peter Taylor.
FULL TIME | @tilburyfc 0-1 @MaldonTiptreeFC
— Maldon & Tiptree FC (@MaldonTiptreeFC) January 7, 2023
THREE POINTS 🤩#Jammers 🍓 #TILMAL pic.twitter.com/wVfm5ZyHZ7
WITHAM TOWN were beaten 2-0 at Wroxham.
In the Essex Senior League, STANWAY ROVERS lost 1-0 at West Essex while FC CLACTON were beaten 2-1 at Woodford Town.
HALSTEAD TOWN beat Southend Manor 3-0, thanks to goals from Jordan Blackwell, Robbie Bennett and Joe Jones.
𝙁𝙐𝙇𝙇 𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀: Halstead Town 3-0 Southend Manor
— Halstead Town FC (@HalsteadTownFC) January 7, 2023
A good afternoon’s work for the Humbugs as we secure a big 3 points, thanks to goals from @Blackwell96J, @bennettrobbiee and @JosephJones_.
First win of the new year and an excellent attendance of 202. #OneTeamOneTown⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/16ZdYf7Vnb
LITTLE OAKLEY saw off Takeley 2-1, with Harry Harvey and Harry Mann both on target.
In Thurlow Nunn League first division south, STANWAY PEGASUS won 4-2 at Basildon Town, with Callum Griffith scoring four goals.
HOLLAND FC beat Leiston Reserves 2-1 in first division north but HARWICH AND PARKESTON lost 4-1 at home to Downham Town.
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