Great Wakering Rovers and East Thurrock United both kept up the pressure on the Ryman League Division Two leaders with narrow away victories at the weekend.

Rovers, lying third, began the day six points adrift of title favourites Lewes, and with opponents Molesley missing top scorer Ben Pappa, the signs were always good for a 15th league win of the season. So it proved, as a goal in each half from Mark Hampshire and Danny Trenkel secured the win to maintain 3rd spot.

Thurrock have the same points as Great Wakering, and they stole victory at Romford in a dull and uninspiring affair, which saw Rikki Finning bundle the ball home with 10 minutes remaining of this Essex derby.

Leaders Lewes showed their title form by comfortably disposing of 5th placed Arlesley 4-0 at the Dripping Pan. Horsham Town, in second spot, continued their good run of form. They, similarly, were 4-0 winners, thumping Chertsey Town.

In Division Three, Aveley and Witham Town both had big wins. Leaders Aveley stretched their lead at the top to four points with Croydon Athletic not in action. Goals from Kenny Leslie, Ricky Hazle, Matt Harold and Jamie Riley saw bottom club Flackwell Heath comfortably turned over.

Witham, meanwhile, travelled to struggling to Edgware Town, and emerged from West London comfortable 5-2 winners, a result that climbs them to 6th, with Hertford only able to draw with Kingsbury Town.

Published Monday January 14, 2002