BASILDON United and Great Wakering Rovers were victorious in their first home Isthmian North clashes of the campaign, while Canvey Island grabbed a point at Grays Athletic.

Marc Harrison’s Bees welcomed Mildenhall Town to the Ho Ho Stadium for what was Basildon’s first Isthmian League fixture in 27 years, and they were 2-1 winners.

Connor Wheatley made a number of fine first half saves to keep Mildenhall at bay, but the Bees made the perfect start to the second half.

Jack Adlington-Pile’s neat turn presented an opportunity, but the winger’s low strike was just kept out by visiting goalkeeper Blake Horton.

However, Basildon were able to break the deadlock less than two minutes after the interval.

Brian Moses, who has impressed throughout pre-season following his move from Redbridge, sent a powerful effort into the roof of the net to grab Basildon’s first Isthmian League goal in 27 years.

But the away side were back on level terms soon after the hour mark as Luke Butcher’s knock-down was volleyed home by Thomas Debenham from close range.

Harrison’s side looked to restore their one goal lead and they came close as Remi Nelson’s volley forced Horton into a superb save.

And Basildon were to claim the winner, with Marcus Bowers coming off the bench and getting the all-important goal.

Bowers, who scored the goal which allowed the Bees to gain promotion from the Essex Senior League, found the roof of the net after pinball in the Mildenhall penalty area.

Mildenhall missed a golden opportunity to clinch a point with four minutes remaining.

The visitors were awarded a spot-kick, but John Sands sent his spot-kick over the crossbar.

Meanwhile, Great Wakering Rovers bounced back from their heavy defeat to Romford on the opening day of the season and claimed a 2-0 victory over Felixstowe & Walton United.

Stephen Butterworth, who came into Garry Kimble’s starting line-up, grabbed Wakering’s first goal of the campaign on 11 minutes.

And Billy Johnson doubled Wakering’s advantage midway through the first half to put the home side in the ascendancy at Burroughs Park.

No goals were to follow after the break, but the Essex Senior League champions have got their first points of the season on the board.

Elsewhere, Canvey drew 1-1 with Grays as boss Danny Heale continues to serve a stadium ban.

Harry Palmer had to be in top form to keep Grays at bay at Parkside, with the summer signing pulling off a double save to deny Aron Gordon and Shomari Barnwell.

But Jamie Stuart’s side were to go in at the break with a one-goal lead thanks to Mitch Hahn’s unstoppable strike from 25 yards out.

However, Canvey got back on level terms seven minutes after the interval as Frankie Merrifield powered home a Mitch Gilbey corner.

Grays replied by hitting the back of the net once again, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The hosts came close to restoring their lead when Barnwell got the better of Jake Pitty before squaring for Usman Adeniji. His shot across goal was going wide but ran into the path of Ade Cole, who could not convert with a backheel.

Alex Stephenson, who joined the Gulls following a successful trial period, left the pitch on a stretcher and although the away side were made to play the late exchanges with 10 men, they managed to hold onto a point.