BILLERICAY Town were edged out by Lowestoft Town as a goal three minutes after half-time saw them fall to defeat.

Manager Craig Edwards wanted a response after Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Staines Town in the Ryman Premier League and they put in a good shift against the Suffolk side.

A level first-half saw no goals, with the only strike coming shortly after the interval. Jake Reed scored it and that was how it stayed, despite several Billericay chances later in the half.

It was a desperately disappointing night for Canvey Island as their match at Needham Market was abandoned due to a floodlight failure.

The Gulls had led 2-1 at half-time, with George Sykes scoring both of the visitors’ goals.

But they never came out for the second-half after a section of the ground was thrown into darkness.

In the FA Cup, Bowers & Pitsea came out on the wrong side of a six goal cracker against Waltham Abbey, losing 3-2 in a preliminary round replay.

Darrell Russell and Romaric Logon had put the away side 2-0 ahead although Brad Warner pulled one back from the penalty spot before half-time.

Ben Sartain levelled for Bowers but back came Abbey, as Logon’s strike deflected off Luke Wilson and into the net.

Ryan Flack finished the game off in stoppage time.