Southend Manor kept up their challenge on top dogs Saffron Walden for the Schweppes Essex Senior League title with a thrilling 4-3 home win over Sawbridgeworth.

The Southchurch Park side stayed three points behind Walden, who won 2-0 at Hullbridge, and as an added bonus saw star striker Ben Barnett move closer to his dream of collecting the Don Douglas Trophy, awarded to the League's top marksman.

Local soccer enthusiasts are calling for Barnett, only 20 years of age and a regular scorer on the Senior scene for a number of years, to be given a trial by goal-shy Southend United.

Those calls are likely to rise to crescendo level after another hat-trick from the youngster, who first came to prominence as a primary school pupil with Shoebury Boys. The trio took his seasonal tally to 29.

Barnett gave Manor a fifth-minute lead, but Sawbo levelled ten minutes later through Saverio Ferro. Barnett got a second after 17 minutes, but the visitors gave notice that they would not lie down when they not only equalised after 24 minutes but took an interval lead through Fulling eight minutes before the break.

Manor, already through to the Ancient Order of Foresters League Cup final on Easter Saturday, knew the three points were vital and Barnett equalised after 63 minutes. Then, five minutes later, another of Manor's outstanding youngsters, Peter Durant, grabbed the winner.

Hullbridge were hoping to build on Thursday night's 8-0 home win over Woodford at home to the leaders, but Saffron Walden proved too strong at Lower Road and won with goals from Damon Miles (25 minutes) and Bradley Quinn (89 minutes).

Concord Rangers' hopes of a top half finish received a giant boost when they thrashed Woodford 3-0 at home. Gary Martin opened the Canvey side's account after 16 minutes and the points were wrapped up by Trevor Brownsdon's double after 40 and 89 minutes. Concord are already through to the Harry Fisher Memorial Trophy final on May 1.

Glen Hobden was on target for Bowers United at Leyton, but the Pitsea side lost 2-1.

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