FA Cup: Sawbridgeworth 4 Tower Hamlets 2

Tower Hamlets tumbled out of the FA Cup after defeat against Essex Senior League rivals Sawbridgeworth at Crofters End.

Ade Abayomi’s young side twice came from behind to get themselves back on level terms, but the home side had the final word as they booked a place in the first qualifying round for the first time and a trip to Harrow Borough.

Hamlets had come from behind to beat Enfield 4-2 in the extra preliminary round two weeks earlier and went into this tie on the back of a 1-0 win at Wadham Lodge a week earlier.

Sawbridgeworth had let a three-goal lead slip to draw with Ilford in midweek, but took the lead after only nine minutes from the penalty spot through Micky Kennedy.

Hamlets hit back to square matters, only for Sawbridgeworth to regain their advantage six minutes before the interval through Leigh Muldoon.

But the visitors responded once again with an effort from long range to make it 2-2, before Kennedy then put the hosts ahead for the third time on the day.

And there was no coming back this time for Abayomi’s men as Olly Fortune netted a fourth to secure victory for Sawbridgeworth, who banked £1,925 in prize money and a meeting with Ryman Premier Division outfit Harrow.

Hamlets return to Essex Senior League action on Monday as they welcome Ilford to Mile End Stadium.

Allan Fenn’s Foxes were also knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend, falling to a 2-0 home defeat against Felixstowe & Walton at Cricklefield Stadium.