FC CLACTON bowed out of the FA Cup after a goal-laden preliminary round tie against Eton Manor, eventually losing 5-3.

Luke Barnard netted twice for the Seasiders, including an early opener after the visitors’ goalkeeper spilt Tom Moore’s cross.

However, Manor netted with a well-taken lobbed shot from the right and quickly edged in front, with an effort from a counter-attack.

Barnard scored again at the start of the second half, reacting quickly to net from close range after the ball bounced back off a post.

But Manor restored their lead from the spot, after a foul by substitute Ollie Law, and then scored from a scorching long-range effort to make it 4-2.

Clacton refused to give up and Kevin Coyle gave them hope, bursting through the heart of the visitors’ defence and slotting home after rounding the Manor keeper.

However, despite a battling performance, Manor scored again with a bullet header to set up a preliminary round tie at Witham Town.

Elsewhere, WIVENHOE TOWN also went out of the cup after losing 2-0 at home to Hullbridge Sports.

The first goal came after just five minutes and the second in the latter stages.

It was Wivenhoe’s second home game in four days, after Wednesday’s thrilling 3-3 draw at home to BRANTHAM ATHLETIC.

The Imps were also in FA Cup action but lost 1-0 at home to Spartan South Midlands League side Hadley.

STANWAY ROVERS were severely depleted for their tie at home to Essex Senior League side FC Romania but still managed a 1-0 victory.

Thurlow Nunn League pair HOLLAND FC and COGGESHALL TOWN were in first division action, against Debenham LC and March Town United respectively.

Both were playing their first-ever games at step six level.

Holland won 2-0 while Coggeshall drew 1-1.

BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES won 3-2 at home to Leiston Reserves.