A surprisingly large number of Ryman Division One North matches survived the weather at the weekend, though results were mixed for our Essex representatives.

Harlow slipped up, losing 2-0 at home to Hemel Hempstead Town to swap places with their opponents. The visitors were settled by two early goals from Ross Perrin and Richard McDonagh. Try as they might, Harlow couldn't find a way back into the match. Town are now eleven points off leaders Northwood who reversed a 1-0 half-time deficit at home to Slough Town to run out emphatic 5-1 winners.

Tilbury consolidated 9th place thanks to a Jean-Marie Okita hat-trick. Visiting Barton Rovers had shocked the hosts by taking the lead on the hour through Stuart Lockhead's penalty.

Though almost immediately Tilbury hit back with striker Otika scoring, then converting a penalty, before completing his hat-trick in injury time.

Aveley and Great Wakering Rovers shared the points in a 1-1 draw. Jimmy Stevens put Aveley in front on 17 minutes before Tommy Dalgarno squared the match just four minutes later - both sides remain in the bottom half.

Published Sunday, January 5, 2003