WIVENHOE TOWN and FC CLACTON shared the spoils in an entertaining Ridgeons League premier division clash.

The derby game at Broad Lane ended 1-1, to extend the Seasiders’ winless run to seven matches.

The Dragons lie fifth in the table, following an impressive start to the new season.

Wivenhoe took the lead after 16 minutes through Joe Hawkins.

His excellent long-range effort skidded low into the bottom corner to give the hosts the lead.

But Clacton levelled on the half hour through Ray Turner, who squeezed a shot past goalkeeper Adam Wilding, following Scott Yearling’s flick-on.

Turner’s curling effort came back off the bar soon after and although both sides had chances before the break, the first half finished all square.

Wivenhoe enjoyed their best spell of the match in the second half and for a 20-minute spell, they really put the pressure on Clacton.

Goalkeeper Paul Rutherford saved two free-kicks from distance, before Wale Odedoyin went really close firing just over the bar.

Wilding then denied Turner, before Wivenhoe were reduced to ten men with ten minutes to go.

Reece Keating received two yellow cards in the space of three minutes.

Clacton pushed forward in search of a winner after that, with Kevin Coyle curling a 20-yard free-kick just over.

However, the Seasiders were unable to capitalise on their one-man advantage and the match ended in an entertaining draw.

In the Ryman League, HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS are tenth in division one north after they were beaten 2-1 by Essex neighbours Harlow Town, at Scraley Road.

MALDON AND TIPTREE lie just behind them in the table, following their 3-1 defeat at Romford.

HALSTEAD TOWN crashed out of the Essex Senior Cup at the first round stage.

Halstead were beaten 2-1 by Essex Senior League side Hullbridge Sports, at Rosemary Lane.

Town took the lead on 20 minutes through Josh Palmer, following Ryan Sutton’s assist.

But Swifts’ pressure told on the hour mark when Stuart Hepburn headed home from a corner to draw them level.

And defender Paul White drove home from 30 yards with ten minutes to go to secure victory for the visitors.