Hornchurch gained the three points they needed to secure promotion to the Ryman Premier on Saturday.

Steve Jones' men hit five past Berkhamstead Town to join already-promoted Northwood in the Ryman Premier Division next season.

For our Essex sides, there were mixed results, with Aveley and Harlow Town still fighting it out to finish as the county's top-ranked Division One side.

Aveley hold a two point advantage after picking up a point against Tilbury. Ex Bishop's Stortford man Trevor Paul hit the equaliser with ten minutes remaining after the hosts had gone in front on the stroke of half-time through Steve Jones.

Harlow crashed at Marlow however. Despite a run of five games without a win, Robert Gibson, Stuart Corbould, and two from Stuart Lake saw the hosts romp to an impressive home victory. Harlow's only reward was an equaliser from Marvin Samuel prior to his side's collapse in the last ten minutes which saw Marlow score three times.

A similar stuffing for Wivenhoe Town who were thrashed 5-0 at Oxford City. Jamie Charles bagged a hat-trick for City, though Wivenhoe are sure of Division One football next term following Wembley's 2-1 defeat at Slough Town.

Great Wakering Rovers recorded an impressive shut-out at Uxbridge to claim a point in a 0-0 draw, while East Thurrock United completed their home fixture schedule in some style with a 5-1 hammering of Hertford Town. A James Dwyer hat-trick highlighted this clash, with other goals coming from Keith Martin and Billy Cove.

Published Monday, April 28, 2003