The E's just about deserved the win but United can count themselves unlucky. They began the stronger and after only four minutes Neil Selby headed an Ian King corner down to Gary Crawshaw who volleyed just over. Two minutes later King's free kick was well saved by keeper John.

Crawshaw again went close from an Iain Duncan cross, but against the run of play E's Bunn made the breakthrough on 37 minutes from close range. United conceded another two minutes later. Cooper blasted a shot straight at Phil Mason and referee Mr Merlin awarded a penalty for handball. It appeared to be a case of ball to hand and was a harsh decision as Jones converted the spot-kick.

United began the second half in dramatic style. Four passes ended with the unmarked Neil Selby turning the ball past John fifteen seconds from the restart. On 51 minutes from a King free kick, Cliff Hercules sent a header skimming over the bar.

But the Ducks shot themselves in the foot after 65 minutes against the run of play. John pushed the ball round the post for a corner and United sent their big men up. Kieran Gallagher overhit the kick and E's scampered off into United's half before Protheroe curled home a superb shot.

To compound the misery keeper Gallagher was sent off two minutes from time for handling outside the area with Mike Bignall taking the gloves for the final moments of the game.