THE tables were turned in the Essex Senior Cup as Canvey Island were surprising beaten 2-0 by Romford on home soil.

Isthmian North top dogs Canvey were favourites to progress against the division’s bottom side but Romford impressed in the fourth round clash.

There were no goals in an end-to-end first half, with both sides coming close to opening the scoring.

Romford took the lead on 54 minutes, Chris Taylor beating Tim Brown with a neat finish.

Mitch Gilbey saw a goal ruled out for offside as Canvey looked for a route back into the match but the game was becoming a tighter affair.

The final nail in Canvey's coffin came with a minute to go – Taylor again the scorer. The striker flicked the ball over Steve Sheehan and thrashed a fine effort into the far corner.

Bowers & Pitsea inflicted a first home defeat of the season on Heybridge Swifts, winning 2-1 in the third round to set up a home tie against holders Chelmsford City.

Fresh from a weekend off, Bowers took just five minutes to take the lead.

Jamie Dicks headed the visitors into the lead from David Knight’s corner before Swifts spurned a great chance to level the score.

The usually reliable Sam Bantick ballooned a penalty wildly over the crossbar, and Bowers took advantage.

John Easterford’s header five minutes before the break made it 2-0.

Swifts pulled one back on 63 minutes – Joan Luque halving the deficit before Luke Callender was sent off eight minutes from time for the hosts.

And Bowers, with a scare or two along the way, were able to hold out for the points.

In the Essex Senior League, Southend Manor were comfortable 4-1 winners at Burnham Ramblers.