Hashtag United know they can look forward to hosting a Vanarama National League club in the New Year after the draw for the Quarter-Finals of the BBC Essex Senior Cup was broadcast by the competition’s supporters on Friday 22nd December.

The Tags, who overcame Braintree Town, 3-1, in the last 16, have been paired with either Aveley or Dagenham & Redbridge in January. The only other side definitely through to the quarters so far are Redbridge, winners on penalties at Chelmsford City. They travel to one of Concord Rangers or Grays Athletic once that outstanding tie has been completed.

Elsewhere, the two lowest-ranked clubs remaining - Buckhurst Hill and Little Oakley - face away quarter-finals if they make it through their rearranged Fourth Round games. Walthamstow or Colchester United host Buckhurst Hill or Canvey Island, while Little Oakley or Brentwood Town head to either Maldon & Tiptree or Witham Town.

The weather has played a major part in the last 16 so far, with a number of postponements due to the rainy conditions, but the remaining clubs will all still be aiming to take a step closer to the final, which will take place at Colchester United FC on Tuesday 19th March. The JobServe Community Stadium has successfully played host to the Senior Cup Final since 2017.

Last season’s match between Braintree Town and Concord Rangers attracted a crowd of over 2,400. Assisting with the draw for the Quarter-Finals this year were Mark Wallis from the Essex County FA Cups & Competitions Team, who pulled out the home clubs, and BBC Essex’s Victoria Polley, who was responsible for the away teams.

All the Essex County Cup information you need to know can be found here, by following @EssexCountyFA on Twitter/X and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.

BBC Essex Senior Cup Quarter-Finals

Walthamstow or Colchester United vs Buckhurst Hill or Canvey Island
Hashtag United vs Aveley or Dagenham & Redbridge
Concord Rangers or Grays Athletic vs Redbridge
Maldon & Tiptree or Witham Town vs Little Oakley or Brentwood Town