STANWAY ROVERS advanced into the second round of the Essex Senior Cup after a 2-1 victory against neighbours FC CLACTON.

The rivals had originally met last Tuesday, only for the tie to be abandoned after just ten minutes due to a floodlight failure.

Seven days on and it was the in-form hosts who progressed thanks to a goal in either half from Marley Andrews and Jack Baker.

Danny Slatter’s men now entertain West Essex in a second-round tie at The Hawthorns.

There was little between the sides in an entertaining first half but it was Stanway who took the lead in the 18th minute thanks to Andrews.

The striker raced onto a defence-splitting pass and coolly slipped the ball beyond Seasiders keeper Joe Fowler.

Rovers added their second five minutes into the second half.

A corner was whipped in from the right and Baker met it with a powerful volley that flew past Fowler.

Clacton were thrown a late lifeline after being awarded a stoppage-time penalty.

Jake Clowsley coolly slotted home from the spot but it proved only a consolation for Tom Austin's side.

Stanway’s success continues their strong start to the season, having won four of their six Thurlow Nunn League matches.

Like Clacton, they are also through to the FA Vase first-round proper after a 7-1 hammering of Wodson Park on Saturday.

Elsewhere in the Essex Senior Cup second round, WIVENHOE TOWN won 2-1 at home to Stansted.

Matt Coppen and Dean Merrett were on target for the Dragons, who had previously eliminated Takeley.

The draw for the third round will take place on September 25.