BASILDON United are through to the knockout stages of the Isthmian League Cup thanks to being done a favour by one of their local rivals.

The Bees would have missed out on top spot in Group Six if Tilbury had beaten Canvey Island in midweek, but the Gulls recorded a 4-1 victory over the Dockers.

As a result, Basildon will make the trip to Isthmian Premier League side Potters Bar Town in the knockout stages and caretaker manager Lee Connor feels the Bees were fully deserving of progressing in the competition.

“It’s another cup we wanted to do well in,” said Connor.

“We have wanted to do well in all of the competitions.

“I’m really pleased for the lads because we put out good squads against some of the sides to come out on top.

“It’s great that we have finished top of the group.”

Basildon went head-to-head with Canvey, Great Wakering Rovers, Hullbridge Sports, Tilbury and Witham Town as the Isthmian League Cup implemented a group stage for the first time.

After suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Tilbury, the Bees went onto beat all of their other rivals to seal top spot.

While his side have advanced in the revamped Isthmian League Cup, Connor saw Basildon suffer a late 1-0 defeat to Billericay Town to exit the Essex Senior Cup at the fourth round stage.

It was the first reverse since Connor moved into the dugout.

But the caretaker manager was keen to remain upbeat.

“I thought we put in an excellent performance,” added Connor.

“We set out a game plan and executed it tremendously.

“I thought we restricted them and they didn’t create many chances.

“We had the most clear-cut chances and we should have taken something from the game.

“They got frustrated and that was the game plan.

“We wanted to be compact, hard to beat and catch them on the counter-attack.

“I know we lost but you have got to realise that we held a National League South side for so long.

“I’m really pleased with the performance and hopefully we can kick-on.”