THERE was to be no cup consolation for Maldon & Tiptree in last night's Isthmian Velocity Cup Second Round tie as the Jammers suffered another defeat.

They bowed out of the league's cup competition 2-1 to fellow Isthmian North side Hashtag United, despite taking the lead.

The opening goal came from Brad Ihiovien's penalty in the closing moments of the first half but any optimism was quickly dashed on the restart of the game after the interval, Pedro Carvalho netting for Hashtage after just two minutes.

And the winner, also from the penalty spot, came from Greg Halford on 72 minutes.

If there was one crumb of comfort on the night it was that Maldon are no longer bottom of the table - and they can thank neighbours Heybridge Swifts for that.

Swifts were in league action at home to Gorleston - a side like Maldon with no points at all to their name so far - and that remains the situation after Swifts' 1-0 win.

It came courtesy of a third goal in successive matches from Kieran Jones in the 56th minute and the change to goal difference dropped Gorleston back below the Jammers.

The win also lifted Swifts into the play-off zone where they occupy fifth spot.

Swifts will next be in action against Hashtag United on Saturday when they travel to the Len Salmon Stadium, while Maldon will once again hope to break their points duck with a home match against Stowmarket Town.