COLCHESTER United have been drawn at home to Thurrock in the third round of the Essex Senior Cup.

The tie must be played before November 11.

The U’s, entering the competition at this stage, reached the quarter-finals last season before late goals saw them lose 2-0 at East Thurrock United.

The last time they won the cup was in 2010, after defeating AFC Hornchurch 2-1.

This year’s final will be held at Colchester’s Weston Homes Community Stadium in March.

Elsewhere in tonight’s draw, BRAINTREE TOWN were drawn at home to Southend Manor while Bostik League premier division side BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT were handed a trip to Aveley.

Division north high-flyers HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS – finalists in 2016 and semi-finalists last season – will entertain Bowers and Pitsea while neighbours MALDON AND TIPTREE will host Romford.

Adam Flint’s WITHAM TOWN have been given a tasty tie at home to Dagenham and Redbridge.

WIVENHOE TOWN and COGGESHALL TOWN are the last of the Gazette’s Thurlow Nunn League sides left in the competition and they have been drawn away to Concord Rangers and away to Waltham Abbey respectively.

STANWAY ROVERS, FC CLACTON and HALSTEAD TOWN all lost their second-round ties on Tuesday night.