COLCHESTER United were knocked out of the Essex Senior Cup at the first hurdle last night in a dramatic 3-2 defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge.

The holders came from behind once to take the game to extra-time and then came from behind a second time within the added time.

However, after falling behind yet again, the U’s spurned a glorious chance to level for a third time when Liam Henderson hit the bar from a spot-kick with what was virtually the last kick of the game.

Dagenham broke the deadlock after half an hour when Josh Scott fired home from outside of the area.

Anthony Wordsworth then rattled the bar for the U’s, while Graeme Montgomery also hit the woodwork for the hosts soon afterwards in a lively first half.

Keeper Mark Cousins prevented the U’s going further behind in the second half, before the impressive Medy Elito crossed for Ian Henderson to level the score with 11 minutes to go.

Danny Green’s deflected effort restored Dagenham’s lead just before the end of the first period of extra-time, but within seconds of the restart Wordsworth equalised with a clever flick from close range – again from Elito’s cross.

The match had seemed destined to end in a 2-2 draw – the same score when these two met in League One last month – until Luke Wilkinson headed in from a corner with seven minutes to go.

It looked like the U’s might get out of jail when home keeper Chris Lewington conceded a penalty in the dying moments, however, on loan Watford striker Liam Henderson crashed his spot-kick against the bar with practically the last kick of the game.

Colchester used last night’s game to take a look at traillist Joe Martin. The 21-year-old left-sided player was released by Blackpool this summer following their promotion to the Premier League.

Having failed to make an appearance for Tottenham at the start of his career, the son of former West Ham and England defender Alvin made 26 league and cup appearances during his spell at Bloomfield Road.

He has represented England at both under-16 and under-17 level.

– The date for the FA Cup first round tie between Colchester United and Bradford City has been confirmed for Saturday, November 6 (3pm).