HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS were beaten 2-1 by VCD Athletic at Scraley Road, in Ryman League division one north.

Luke Hammond and Leon Antoine both went close for Swifts early on, while Russell Malton and Ricky Griggs also tested VCD keeper, James Tedder.

VCD took the lead against the run of play, seven minutes before half-time.

Jason Barton headed in from a corner, seconds after keeper Jamie Bowyer had made a good save to deny Nick Hegley.

And Swifts found themselves further behind, 12 minutes after the break.

Keeper Bowyer allowed George Mitchell’s shot to sail through his hands, leaving the Swifts to chase the game.

On-loan Colchester United youngster Malton pulled a goal back with a fine 25-yard strike, with 17 minutes to go.

But despite a large amount of pressure, Swifts were unable to force an equaliser.

The defeat leaves Wayne Bond’s team in 15th place in the league table.

Brad Quinton made a long-awaited return to the BRAINTREE TOWN team for their Essex Senior Cup tie at Hullbridge Sports.

The Iron were beaten 1-0 by the Essex Senior League outfit, in the fourth-round tie.

Club captain Quinton, who has been missing since September for personal reasons, played the majority of the tie at Lower Road.

Iron were beaten by a second-half penalty, to go out of the competition.

Braintree fielded a team which consisted mainly of first-team players and youngsters.

MALDON TOWN progressed to the last eight of the Essex Senior Cup after beating Concord Rangers, 2-1.

Maldon’s goals were scored by James Abbott and Jamie Ricks, to send Colin Wallington’s side through.

TIPTREE UNITED fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Takeley, in the Essex Senior League.

The Jam-makers took the lead at Park Drive and went in at half-time ahead.

However, they were unable to hold on to their lead and eventually fell to a narrow defeat.