It was a dismal night for Essex's two Nationwide League sides Colchester and Southend as they were eliminated from the LDV Vans Trophy at the first hurdle.

Colchester United lost 4-1 away to Cheltenham and saw goalkeeper Richard McKinney sent off after he was adjudged to have brought down striker Paul Brayson.

Simon Brown replaced him and had to pick the ball out of the net from the resulting penalty.

Colchester drew level through Scott McGleish on 57 minutes.

But Cheltenham then let their numerical advantage count with goals from Grant McCann, Alsop and Brayson

There was a similar tale of woe for Southend United as they went out to Swindon 6-1.

Johnnie Jackson gave the home side the lead with a free kick on nine minutes.

Graeme Jones got the Blues back in it on 22 minutes, but that was as good as it got for the visitors.

Jones was later dismissed and there were further goals from Jimmy Davis, Matt Heywood, Danny Invincible, Stefani Miglioranzi and Sam Parkin as Southend crashed out of the competition in spectacular fashion.

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Published Wednesday October 23, 2002