Purfleet maintained their 100% record in the Ryman League Premier with a comprehensive win at Heybridge Swifts on Tuesday night.

Fleet, continuing the late season form that saw them steadily climb the table towards the end of last season, looked asssured and slick, grateful for Paul Lingers double which takes them joint top.

Grays Athletic are another side with high hopes this term, though their first home outing of the season proved a frustrating encounter, with John Rains Sutton United outfit defending well throughout 90 uninspiring minutes: final score 0-0.

And despite their well-documented money worries, Braintree gave a sound display at Bedford Town, in the end proving unlucky to run out 1-0 losers.

Budget and backer issues have been rife around the club of late, but it was only Steve Jackmans opportunist strike for the hosts that proved the difference between the two sides.

Aveley continued their fantastic start to life in Ryman League Division One, maintaining their 100% record with a 2-0 win against Wembley at Mill Road. Essex rivals Great Wakering Rovers were in similar form, recording their first away success of the season in a 1-0 win at The Warren against Yeading.

Published Wednesday August 21, 2002