Two quick-fire goals saw Waltham Abbey fall to a 3-1 home defeat against Great Wakering Rovers in Isthmian Division One North on Tuesday.

The visitors opened the scoring after nine minutes as Tom Ranger broke between two defenders to fire beyond Abbey goalkeeper Jayden Purdue.

But ten minutes after the restart Abbey's Darelle Russell pulled the home side level when the ball dropped at his feet in the penalty area.

However, Rovers struck twice in quick succession to take the game away from Paul Wickenden's men.

The first came when captain Lewis Sparrow struck from a corner before Tony Sparrow completed the job.

Rovers keeper Adam Seal saved a Tom Bruno penalty late on to compound the hosts' woes.

On Saturday, ten-man Abbey rallied late on against Needham Market but were unable to overturn the deficit, losing 2-1.

After a quiet first half, Sam Newson broke the deadlock seven minutes after the restart when he fired beyond Purdue.

And 11 minutes later the home side had extended their advantage as Newson's cross was diverted beyond Purdue by Darren Williams.

The midfielder then added insult to injury when he was sent off with 13 minutes remaining following a clash with Needham's Ryan Crisp.

But despite the adversity, the Abbotts did make a fist of things late on and were unlucky not to force an equaliser after Jason Hallett's strike.

Next up is home tie with Tilbury on Saturday. Soham Town Rangers then visit Capershotts on Tuesday evening.