Basildon United ended their calamitous season with a whimper after a sturdy second half performance from Hullbridge saw them cruise to victory.

After resigning from the Essex Senior League, the Bees played what could be their last ever game before the June deadline to come up with a rescue plan.

Hopes of a first home win of the season were dashed as Hullbridge came from behind to win after a promising first half saw Basildon take the lead.

Mike Edgar scored for Basildon in the 20th minute after Aaron Hunwick’s free kick from the halfway line was flicked in by the head of the forward. Ten minutes before half time, Hullbridge equalised when winger Lewis Newman was put through on the right before smashing home a fearsome shot.

The visitors gradually turned the screw in the second half before an odd goal put them ahead.

Michael DeKeyzer scored in the 67th minute after Tom Ranger’s corner kick nearly curled straight into the net. Hullbridge then romped home with goals from James Braithwaite and Ranger in the 72nd and 87th minutes respectively.

Basildon boss Chris Wood said he was disappointed with the second half performance, calling it the worst in his tenure.

He feels only a solid plan can now save the club.

He said: “Everything done here today has been done by us, and no one knows what is going on. It’s an absolute joke.

“A manager shouldn’t be cutting the pitch, and the lads have even paid for their training this year, which is unheard of at this level.

“There now needs to be a bit of forward planning and consistently.

“The club has entered the FA Cup and FA Vase, so there is a little bit of hope.

“But someone must come up with the cash and a plan.”