Senior player and club stalwart Sean Hillier took charge of the FC CLACTON team when the Seasiders were beaten 1-0 at home by Enfield 1893 in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase.

The Seasiders had appointed Kieron Shelley as their new manager the night before following the departure of Tom Gooder, but Hillier took the reins for the Vase game at the Rush Green Bowl.

Shelley will take charge for the first time when Hadleigh United visit for a Thurlow Nunn League contest on Tuesday.

There was also an early Vase exit for WIVENHOE TOWN as Mo Osman's team lost 2-1 at home to Wadham Lodge.

The visitors took control of the game in the first half by forging a two-goal lead and even though Matt Eve's shot was deflected in to halve the deficit and the Dragons hit the woodwork late on, they weren't able to conjure an equalising goal.

However, one team who did make progress was HALSTEAD TOWN, who followed up their FA Cup heroics by progressing into the second qualifying round of the Vase with a 3-2 win against Hadley.

Lewis Cunliffe put the Humbugs ahead early before the Spartan South Midland League premier division visitors pegged them back.

Jake Brown restored the lead just before half-time, though, and a wonder strike from substitute Jordan Hutchings meant Hadley's second goal was only a consolation.