Hashtag United against Southend United and Dagenham & Redbridge versus Colchester United were two of the standout ties from the bag when the draw for the Third Round of the BBC Essex Senior Cup was broadcast on Friday 18th October.

At this stage, clubs from the Football League, the National League and the Isthmian League are introduced, along with the remaining teams who survived Round Two. Two special guests assisted with the draw. James Patient from BBC Essex was responsible for the home sides, while Essex County FA Referee Development Manager, Lukas Wood, drew out the away clubs.

Another landmark chapter in the short history of Hashtag as a senior status club will be written when they host the Shrimpers during the week beginning 4th November. The Tags reached the semi-finals in 2023/24, and will hope to go one stage further this year. Meanwhile, Dagenham hosted the final last season, which featured Round Three opponents Colchester as runners-up.

Elsewhere in the draw, West Essex’s reward for a 6-0 win against Hullbridge Sports and a 2-0 victory at Harlow Town is a Third Round clash with National League South team, Chelmsford City. Holders Redbridge welcome Brightlingsea Regent, and rivalries between Concord Rangers and Billericay Town will be renewed when the two face each other at Thames Road. Rayleigh Town are into the Third Round as debutants in this season’s competition. They entertain Takeley.

Those ties are all due to take place during the week beginning 4th November, and you can keep in touch with the competition’s progress in the 'Cups & Competitions' menu above, by following @EssexCountyFA on X and by searching for the ‘EssexFootball’ page on Facebook.

BBC Essex Senior Cup Third Round (week beginning 4th November)

Saffron Walden Town or Great Wakering Rovers vs Braintree Town
Witham Town vs Brentwood Town
Redbridge vs Brightlingsea Regent
Maldon & Tiptree vs Hornchurch
Walthamstow vs Aveley
West Essex vs Chelmsford City
Waltham Abbey vs Grays Athletic
Concord Rangers vs Billericay Town
Harwich & Parkeston vs Bowers & Pitsea
Ilford vs Tilbury
Takeley vs Rayleigh Town
Hashtag United vs Southend United
Dunmow Town vs Heybridge Swifts
Buckhurst Hill vs Canvey Island
Dagenham & Redbridge vs Colchester United
Little Oakley or Romford vs Basildon United