Hoddesdon Town's Vase exit at Heybridge Swifts sharpens a Division One South week

The week's biggest story in Eastern Counties Division One South came on Saturday, when Hoddesdon Town travelled to Scraley Road for the FA Vase first round proper, and left beaten. Heybridge Swifts, who play a level above in the Essex Senior League Premier Division, won 4-0. According to the Hoddesdon report, the visitors conceded after four minutes, trailed 2-0 at the break and improved after the interval without scoring, before a fourth goal arrived at 90+2.

The defeat was Hoddesdon's first of the season in any competition. Their league record was unaffected: they began the week top and unbeaten in the league, and on Tuesday beat London Harts United 4-1 at Lowfield. Harry Andic scored after six minutes, Jonah Evans added a left-footed strike from distance, Connor Bolton headed a third before half-time and substitute Ollie Babbage scored in the 87th minute. London Harts pulled one back from a late penalty. Evans took the man of the match award.

The Vase also ended the run of Rayleigh Town, who confirmed their exit and turned attention to the Essex Senior Cup, where they later beat White Ensign 3-2.

At East Thurrock Community, the week produced a 4-3 comeback win over Brimsdown, with Tommy Barnacle scoring a second-half hat-trick. The club later said Saturday's win over Southend Manor made it five consecutive wins, their longest run since their first competitive fixture in 2024.

The week's oddest result involved AS London and Lymore Gardens. AS London said Lymore left the field around the 86th minute, unhappy with the referee, with the hosts leading 4-1. AS London said they expect the result to stand but await formal league confirmation, while Lymore Gardens posted only that the game was abandoned. AS London then beat Marcelona 3-2 on Wednesday.

At Coggeshall Town, Neil Blackburn was appointed first-team manager with immediate effect. His first match was a home game against Athletic Newham, and the club has since announced signings including Caiden from Brantham Athletic, Tom Franks from Burnham Ramblers, Lewis Soraf and Ladi. They visit league leaders Hoddesdon on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Cannons Wood drew 0-0 at Burnham Ramblers despite facing ten men for the final stages after their goalkeeper was sent off, then lost 1-0 to Basildon Town thanks to a 71st-minute goal. Southend Manor drew 2-2 with Burnham Ramblers on Tuesday, Charlie Little and Max Drury scoring.