HALSTEAD TOWN manager Mark Benterman apologised for his side’s performance as they bowed out of the FA Vase.

Despite taking a first-minute lead, the Humbugs lost 4-1 against St Margaretsbury at Rosemary Lane.

“We just weren’t good enough,” said boss Benterman.

“I was massively disappointed and all I can say is sorry to the fans.”

Halstead made a dream start, having been awarded a penalty after just 30 seconds.

Sam Cripps was brought down for the spot-kick and dusted himself down to convert.

However, St Margaretsbury roared back and eventually built a commanding 4-1 lead.

Cripps was then sent-off late on to compound a miserable afternoon.

BRANTHAM ATHLETIC were also in Vase second qualifying round action but lost 3-2 at Hertford Town.

The Imps suffered heartache after conceding the winning goal in the 96th minute.

Sean Bartlett had put them in front – his first goal since returning to the club – after good work from Sean Gunn and Romario Dunne.

Hertford equalised and went in front from the penalty spot, before Dunne capitalised on a goalkeeping fumble to make it 2-2.

The hosts then grabbed their winning deep in stoppage time.

WIVENHOE TOWN were the day’s big winners in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division, sinking Ipswich Wanderers 3-0.

Jack Clampin and substitute Matthew Eve scored to put them in pole position, before Adam Hampson made it 3-0.

Wanderers finished with ten men after having a player sent off.

STANWAY ROVERS fought back from behind to draw 1-1 at home to Kirkley and Pakefield.

Daniel Thrower scored the hosts’ leveller against opposition who also had a player red-carded.

FC CLACTON had no game on Saturday.

In division one, HOLLAND FC pulled off an eye-catching 4-1 victory at home to Framlingham Town.

Billy Wales (two) and Terry Rymer scored their goals, in addition to a Neil Goldsworthy penalty, and keeper Luke Banner made two great saves when it was 2-1.

“We were poor in the first half and lucky to be one-up,” said joint-boss Glenn Cowen.

“But in the second half the boys produced a really great performance.”

The weekend’s programme had begun at COGGESHALL TOWN as the club tried out their brand new floodlights for the first time, on Friday night.

The players certainly rose to the occasion as they romped to a 6-0 victory.