The first qualifying round of the FA Cup proved tough for some north Essex sides, leaving one clear winner of the performance of the day award.

A quartet of local clubs who play in the premier division and division north of the BetVictor Isthmian League were involved in first qualifying round action, but there is just one that has progressed into the second qualifying round draw.

Brightlingsea Regent were making their first outing, but it proved to be a short spell in this year’s competition as the R’s bowed out in agonising fashion at fellow Isthmian League premier division side Cheshunt.

The tie looked set to be heading for a replay at the Taydal Stadium heading into the final minutes, but Cheshunt had other ideas and Mo Camara struck in the 90th minute to break Regent hearts and seal a 1-0 win for the hosts.

It was also a single strike that knocked out division north side Witham Town as they lost 1-0 at Stamford AFC.

The hosts, who play in the Northern Premier League division one south, got their winner earlier this time, though, as Cosmos Matwasa gave them the edge on 28 minutes and it was a lead they still held at the final whistle.

Coggeshall Town were another north Essex side losing by a single goal as they were beaten 2-1 at another division north club – Basildon United.

The Seedgrowers had taken the lead after Ugo Udoji put them ahead on 32 minutes, but the Bees were soon level as Adam Vyse equalised two minutes later.

And when Joe Paxman fired home a second for Basildon on 61 minutes, Coggeshall joined the list of north Essex sides making first qualifying round exits.

However, there will be one local Isthmian League side flying the flag in the second qualifying round as Maldon and Tiptree eased through at Histon.

The Jammers won 3-0 at another side who play in Isthmian League division north, with Tyrique Hyde opening the scoring on nine minutes, before Kojo Awotwi doubled the lead after the break and Jerome Slew added a late third.

They ensured a safe passage for Wayne Brown’s side, who continued their unbeaten start to the season and also earned the top performance honour for a second weekend running.

Meanwhile, although Heybridge Swifts weren’t in FA Cup action, they did have a Velocity Trophy tie against Bury Town at Scraley Road.

Swifts had to twice come from behind to send the tie to penalties as it finished 2-2 after 90 minutes.

First, Toib Adeyemi cancelled out an opener from Cemal Ramadan, who then fired Bury back in front from the penalty spot just before half-time.

However, Alex Teniola scored in the 90th minute for Heybridge, meaning a shootout was required and Swifts were triumphant 4-2 to seal the victory.