STANWAY ROVERS and FC CLACTON produced heroics on the road to keep alive their dreams of FA Vase glory.

Both pulled off stunning victories against high-flying opponents to book their places in the third-round proper.

The Thurlow Nunn League duo deserve huge credit, heading into tough matches against sides sitting second in their respective leagues.

By winning, they pocketed prize money to the tune of £900 and now both will be hoping for home ties when the eagerly-awaited draw takes place at 1pm on Monday.

Stanway sealed their spot after a 3-1 success at Uhlsports United Counties League premier division side Deeping Rangers.

After a first half of few chances, Charlie Gilbert put them ahead with a neat finish shortly before the hour-mark.

Although the hosts soon levelled from a set-piece, Tom Holdstock notched twice in quick succession to make it a very happy journey back from Lincolnshire.

Astonishingly, Clacton found themselves 4-2 ahead at half-time in their tie at Saffron Walden Town, thanks to two goals apiece from new signing Ricky Griggs and Adam Hampson.

The former had only joined the previous day, after a decade and more than 400 appearances at Tendring neighbours Brightlingsea Regent.

Incredibly, he scored with only his second touch – after just 42 seconds – to give his new team a dramatic lead at Catons Lane.

Saffron Walden, second in the Essex Senior League, were stunned into action and quickly turned the match on its head with goals in the fifth and 16th minutes.

But Hampson’s close-range effort from Chris Ribchester’s flick-on made it all-square before the striker buried Harry McDonald’s cross to make it 3-2.

Griggs ended the first half as he started it, with a goal, by nodding home Jordan Lartey’s cross before the hosts trimmed the deficit and ensured a nervous finale with their third goal, in the 54th minute.

Unfortunately, COGGESHALL UNITED'S excellent run in the competition came to an end after a 4-2 defeat at Spartan South Midlands League side Newport Pagnell Town.

The hosts took control after scoring in either half but the Seedgrowers staged a dramatic fightback thanks to a brace from Mwetsi Matangi.

However, Newport Pagnell had the last laugh with two more goals to seal a 4-2 victory.

The third-round ties will take place on Saturday, November 30 with winners banking £1,125 and losers £375.