Vase exits for Ely, Dereham and Downham as Brantham win big

Several Eastern Counties sides bowed out in the FA Vase first round this week. The most remarkable exit belonged to Ely City, beaten 5-4 at Haverhill Rovers after 90+7 minutes. Sam Townshend scored twice, one described by the club as a "worldie equaliser", and captain Jack Friend scored once. Ollie Roth, on his debut, scored a consolation goal in stoppage time. The club's own verdict was brisk: "Not one for the defence." Joe Tarpey was their player of the match, and the club called him "the engine behind everything good today".

There was no such drama in the scoreline at Dereham Town, but the exit was just as cruel. They drew 2-2 with Saffron Walden Town and lost 3-2 on penalties, the visiting goalkeeper outdoing Yumi, who had made three saves in the shootout. Downham Town lost 3-2 at home to White Ensign, who were making their first visit to The Memorial, with Eoin McQuaid named supporters' man of the match. Walsham Le Willows went out 4-0 at Wisbech Town, whose supporters' club chose Connor Peters as their man of the match. Stowmarket Town drew 1-1 with Colney Heath in front of 171 spectators, the club reported.

In the league, Brantham Athletic beat Mildenhall Town 5-1. Brantham had also announced the signings of Jackson Pickering and, on a dual basis, Brad Smith. Great Yarmouth Town were beaten 6-0 by March Town, who added their sixth in the 92nd minute. Soham Town Rangers won 2-0 away from home, with Josh Hammond named away fans' man of the match, and Lakenheath celebrated a third straight league win, adding that it was four in a row.

Ipswich Wanderers lost 1-2 at home to Woodbridge Town in front of 485 people, a crowd the club called a fantastic turnout. Their earlier meeting with Harleston Town had finished 2-2, with Reggie Lambe scoring after 14 minutes.

Off the pitch, Kirkley & Pakefield made Filipe Dos Santos joint first team manager alongside Declan McAvoy, promoting him from first team coach. Ely City signed centre half Karl Saffery from Mildenhall Town.

In the Norfolk Senior Cup, Dereham Town and North Walsham Town each pledged 20% of ticket revenue to Remy's Foundation for their tie. Harleston Town will visit the Yachtsmen on 3 November in the fourth round, and Great Yarmouth Town will host Norton Athletic in the last 16 on 28 October.