Kent’s hopes of winning promotion from LV= County Championship Division 2 ended with an emphatic nine-wicket defeat against Essex early on day three at Chelmsford.

It took the home side just 17 balls to reach the 22 runs they needed to win and condemn Kent to their first loss at the venue since 1994.

Kent scored 198 in their first innings and it could have been much less had Sam Northeast not scored a stunning 117.

Essex replied with 328 after Darren Stevens finished with 5-83 and Mitch Claydon 4-76.

Brendan Nash top-scored 34 as Kent were then bowled out for 151, leaving Essex needing only 22 to win.

Young paceman Matt Hunn (1-7) took the only wicket to fall in the Essex run chase when he trapped Nick Browne lbw for five in his only over.

Jaik Mickleburgh wrapped up the win for third-placed Essex, which only took 11 minutes to secure, after he hit paceman Claydon through mid-wicket for two.

It was Kent’s fifth defeat of the season and it leaves Rob Key’s side fifth with two games to go.

They travel to Southampton to play Hampshire starting next Monday before hosting Gloucestershire at Canterbury from September 23.