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.

 

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.

 

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!'

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.

 

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.

 

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.