But Essex Senior League neighbours Barking bowed out, along with Thurlow Nunn League trio Clapton, Newbury Forest and Tower Hamlets.

The Foxes had the better of their first half at Cricklefields, but had to wait until the fifth minute of injury time to open the scoring with a tap in from Connor Jones.

They doubled their advantage just before the hour when Brady Landu headed in via a post, but Wick hit back almost immediately to keep their hopes alive.

The visitors had another effort ruled out as torrential rain fell, but were awarded a penalty which they converted to level.

Only a great save by 17-year-old debutant Kasey Clark denied Wick a third, while his opposite number kept out a close-range Ilford effort in stoppage time.

Josh Boxall fired a great chance over, with the visitors chipping a last-gasp effort just over as well before it went to penalties.

Clark then saved the first Wick effort, which proved decisive as the next nine attempts were all converted and Ilford progressed 5-4.

Barking bowed out at the first hurdle again after a 3-0 loss at Potton United.
They fell behind after just two minutes when a free-kick hit the post and Shane Fox sidefooted home the loose ball.

And Richard Chadwick headed home from another set-piece just before the break to leave Blues with a mountain to climb in the second half.

It was 3-0 just eight minutes after the restart when a low cross from the left fell to Lewis Lynn to rifle home.

And Barking saw Martin Tuohy hit the inside of a post as they left empty-handed.

Clapton lost by the same scoreline at Combined Counties Premier side Sheerwater, while Newbury Forest went down 4-0 at Harlow Town and Tower Hamlets suffered a 5-1 defeat at Southern Counties Premier side Snodland Town.

The hosts were four goals to the good after just 29 minutes and completed their nap hand at the start of the second half before Hamlets grabbed a consolation.

League rivals Hutton maintained their five-point lead at the top of Thurlow Nunn Division One South with a 2-1 triumph at Wormley Rovers, with Jonathon Hilliard hitting their winner.

But Clapton Community saw their five-game unbeaten run come to an end after a 2-0 home defeat against Dunmow Town at the Old Spotted Dog.

The visitors took the lead with a header from Asa Cansdale, following an inswinging right-wing corner, with Reece Barnett heading home a second in almost identical fashion soon after the restart.

Clapton Community saw Junia Charlton dismissed along with Cansdale, while Bailey Price was sent to the sin-bin as a heavy thunderstorm hit the ground.

And the hosts could not find a way back into the match as they tasted defeat for the first time.

“Not at our best today and rightfully got punished,” posted James Briggs.

“If you don’t take your chances this will happen! We move onto nent week! Thanks to the @ClaptonCFC fans who came today in the sun, rain, hail and thunder and lightning.”


Source link

Join the exciting world of cryptocurrency trading with ByBit! As a new trader, you can benefit from a $10 bonus and up to $1,000 in rewards when you register using our referral link. With ByBit’s user-friendly platform and advanced trading tools, you can take advantage of cryptocurrency volatility and potentially make significant profits. Don’t miss this opportunity – sign up now and start trading!