MALDON & Tiptree have ensured that at least one north Essex non-league team is still in this year’s FA Cup.

The Jammers were one of just two sides from the north of the county still involved at the second qualifying round stage and, after Braintree Town’s defeat at Enfield Town, are now on their own.

Maldon’s progression into the third qualifying round came thanks to a 4-2 win at home against BetVictor Isthmian League premier division side Wingate & Finchley.

The victory came as Maldon upset league placings by beating a team who operate in a tier above them in the non-league pyramid and was set up by a hat-trick from Jerome Slew as his prolific goal-scoring form continued.

It was Slew who got things going as he put the BetVictor Isthmian League division north hosts ahead in the tenth minute, although it was a lead that they were unable to hold on to until the break as Ahmet Rifat equalised on 39 minutes.

Charlee Hughes restored Maldon’s lead 11 minutes after the break, but they found themselves pegged back once more when Marvin Morgan levelled with a goal six minutes later.

However, Maldon were not to be denied as Slew scored twice in quick succession on 73 and 76 minutes to make sure of a cup upset and the Jammers continued their 100 per cent winning start to the season.

Slew has now scored ten goals in the last five games and his FA Cup treble was a second consecutive hat-trick.

However, in contrast to Maldon’s journey, this year’s FA Cup excursion proved frustratingly short for Braintree Town as the Iron bowed out at the first hurdle.

They entered into the competition at the second qualifying round stage and that was as far as they would be going as a 2-0 defeat at Enfield Town brought an early exit.

Braintree have been in excellent Vanarama National League South form recently, but manager Glen Driver insisted that his team would travel to Enfield as underdogs.

Despite the hosts playing a level below Braintree in the BetVictor Isthmian League premier division, they have also been in a rich vein of form.

They had won their previous three games, including a 1-0 first qualifying round win against AFC Rushden & Diamonds that had come with a goal from Muhammadu Faal and he was on target twice against the Iron to ensure his team’s run would go on.