Southend Manor, having held leaders Basildon United to a midweek draw, boosted their hopes of Schweppes Essex Senior League honours with a 4-1 home win over Ilford on Saturday.

While the new towners were being held to a goalless draw at Hullbridge, Manor had James Diack enjoying an eventful afternoon.

Having put his side ahead after only six minutes, Diack also netted the equaliser four minutes before half-time with an own goal.

However, after Simon Dawson's 48th minute penalty and Simon Nicks's 60th minute effort had put Manor 3-1 up, Diack got a second at the right end after 73 minutes.

Basildon lead the table with 23 points from 13 games, but only by one point from Brentwood, who have two games in hand. However, Manor are well placed four points behind Bees with four games in hand.

Goals were in short supply among the local clubs as Canvey's Concord Rangers were held to a goalless draw at Thames Road by Leyton.

Bowers United's hopes of getting among the League points prior to next Saturday's keenly-awaited FA Carlsberg Vase second round home clash with Jewson League Wroxham were spoilt when their scheduled game at Saffron Walden was washed out.

Although Hullbridge visit Burnham Ramblers tomorrow (Tuesday) in an Ancient Order of Foresters League Cup match, there is little midweek action as efforts are being concentrated on the Essex FA team to meet The Army at the Aldershot Military Stadium that night.

The team, managed by Ron Hanley, is made up entirely of Senior League players and kicks-off at 7.30pm.

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