Basildon United kept up their challenge on leaders Brentwood in the Schweppes Essex Senior League when they thrashed hapless hosts Woodford Town 7-0 on Saturday.

The new towners' title bid was given renewed vigour in midweek when they won 2-0 at Stansted while top dogs Brentwood were losing 1-0 at home to Ilford.

Brentwood got back on the win trail at the weekend when Craig Mead scored the only goal of their home clash with Southend Manor after 64 minutes.

However, Basildon are just five points behind now - even though Brentwood have a couple of games in hand - and should prove too strong for local neighbours Bowers United, having a real struggle at the moment, at Gardiners Close tomorrow.

John Doyle led the way for Basildon at Woodford, who have now conceded an amazing 79 goals in just 18 games, with a four-goal haul. Lee Tranter, Tony Barnes and Lee Smith completed the demolition job.

Bowers' hopes of winning through to the final of the Harry Fisher Memorial Trophy took a heavy knock when they lost the home leg of their semi-final with Ilford 3-0.

Mark Sophocleus made it 1-0 from the penalty spot after 24 minutes when Damon Devor was fouled in the box. Graham Howes grabbed a second after 31 minutes and Del Francois completed the agony 11 minutes from time for a Bowers outfit who were lacking a number of key players.

Southend Manor, who pulled off a 5-0 win over Ryman League Division Three strugglers Clapton on Thursday in the Essex Thames-side Trophy, are due to host Stansted in the League tomorrow (Tuesday).

Concord Rangers lost 1-0 at home to Tilbury in the Essex Senior Cup on Thursday with the Dockers now visiting local rivals Tilbury for the right to host Canvey, holders for the past two years, in the semi-finals.

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