BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT faced late heartache after losing 3-2 at Leiston tonight.

The R’s had fought back from behind on two occasions in the Bostik League premier division contest, thanks to goals from Aaron Condon and Tom Richardson.

However, Leiston grabbed their winner in the 86th minute.

Moments before, Regent had been reduced to ten men following a red card for Robbie Rees.

In division north, MALDON AND TIPTREE came from behind to draw 1-1 at AFC Sudbury.

Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe fired them level from the penalty spot.

WITHAM TOWN lost 2-0 at home to Bowers and Pitsea.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS continued their amazing start to the season with a 4-2 victory at home to Mildenhall Town, in the first round of the Velocity Trophy.

Sam Bantick, from the penalty spot, Luke Callander, Ben Griffiths and Juan Luque were on target for Jody Brown’s side.

MICHAEL Runicles plundered four goals as free-scoring FC CLACTON thumped LITTLE OAKLEY 7-2, in the Tolleshunt D’Arcy Memorial Cup.

Jordan Heath had given the Acorns an early lead but hit-man Runicles netted a cluster in quick succession to make the half-time score 4-1.

Substitute Zach Smith-Walter added his first senior goal for the club, heading home Jake Plane’s corner.

Markel Greenidge then notched his first for the Seasiders before Terry Rymer curled home a precision free-kick from 20 yards.

Harry Mann pulled one back for the visitors but it proved too little, too late.

Kieron Shelley’s Clacton are now through to the semi-finals of the charity competition.

There was another hat-trick in the League Challenge Cup tie between BRANTHAM ATHLETIC and HALSTEAD TOWN.

Ben Newson hit a treble as the Imps won 6-2.

STANWAY ROVERS were in Thurlow Nunn League premier division action at runaway leaders Felixstowe and Walton and lost 3-0.