Nine-man Waltham Abbey were narrowly beaten 2-1 by League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge in the Essex County Cup on Monday.

A well-placed free-kick from Tommy Spillane cancelled out Jodi Jones’ opener, before former Arsenal youngster Rhys Murphy converted a penalty.

Dagenham’s Luke Howell and Abbey’s George Williams were sent off within three minutes of each other; Williams’ dismissal leading to Murphy’s winner.

Jason Hallett was then given his marching orders for foul and abusive language before Murphy passed up the opporunity to double his tally by missing a penalty.

Two goals in the space of a minute helped Waltham Abbey to a resounding 4-1 victory over Aveley on Saturday.

The Abbotts took the lead after 21 minutes when Harry Elmes netted with a spectacular chipped effort.

However visitors Aveley drew level four minutes after half-time when Junior Baker struck from close range.

Paul Wickenden’s side seized control of the game when Elmes grabbed his second after connecting with a hopeful long ball over the top.

Tom Bruno then fired a powerful effort past Aveley goalkeeper James Marrable just 60 seconds later.

Darelle Russell completed the scoring late when he lashed home after controlling James Peagram’s pass.

Victory moves Abbey up to tenth place in the Isthmian Division North North, leaving them seven points shy of the place-off places.

The Abbotts make the trip to Chatham Town on Saturday.

Redbridge endured a miserable afternoon as they went down 4-0 at Harlow Town.

The hosts were dominant throughout the contest and opened the scoring when James Smith converted Harlow’s first chance of note following a neat build-up.

Alex Read added a second from the penalty spot after Shane Stamp was hauled down inside the penalty area by Mark Parker, the Redbridge goalkeeper earning a yellow card for his troubles.

Stamp then added the third midway through the second period, before Billy Jones completed the rout in injury time. Defeat leaves the Motormen in the relegation zone due to their inferior goal difference.

Dave Ross’ side saw their Essex County Cup tie with Canvey Island on Tuesday postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The Motormen are at home to Heybridge Swifts on Saturday.

In the Essex Senior League, Waltham Forest were not in action, but host Greenhouse London on Saturday.