A 30-yard rocket from the Schweppes Essex Senior League's top goalscorer Ben Barnett, plus a late effort from substitute Peter Durant, put Southend Manor on the verge of clinching a place in the Ancient Order of Foresters League Cup final.

Manor won the first leg of their semi-final 2-0 at Sawbridgeworth and stage the second match at their Southchurch Park home next weekend.

The game was goalless until 20-year-old Barnett ran through the home defence and unleashed his unstoppable shot past Woodford's Faroes Island international goalkeeper Steve Boyle after 56 minutes for his 21st goal of the season.

The second came six minutes from the end with Durant shooting home in a goalmouth melee following a free-kick.

If Manor do, as expected, win through to the final their opponents look odds on to be current League leaders Saffron Walden.

Walden won the home leg of their semi-final 2-0 against Leyton on Saturday with both goals coming from Mark Saggers and are expected to have too much ammunition for their hosts in the second encounter.

Back on the League scene, where Manor and Walden are involved in the fight for the title and corresponding double, Ilford stepped up their challenge with a 3-0 home win over Canvey's Concord Rangers.

Chris Stevens put Ilford on the victory trail after 36 minutes and a double from CJ Emmanuel, after 56 and 58 minutes, clinched the success.

Basildon United had their first win under new boss Steve Wheeler, in the ex-Bowers' manager's third game in charge, when they triumphed 1-0 at Eton Manor in midweek.

However, they could not keep it up on Saturday, losing 3-2 at Lower Road against Hullbridge.

Keith Scourfield (17 minutes), Luke Slatford (27 minutes) and John Leak (43 minutes) had put Hullbridge well in charge at the break. Jones (55 minutes) and Selby (65 minutes) helped Bees launch a recovery, but they eventually came away with no reward.

Bowers United had gone down 2-1 at home to Burnham Ramblers in midweek, but triumphed 3-0 at Woodford on Saturday thanks to Glen Hobden (55 minutes), David Hope (85 minutes) and Steve Warner (89 minutes).

All to play for - A Basildon (right) player and his Hullbridge opponent battle for the ball during the Bees's 3-2 defeat at Lower Road

Picture: MIKE BELLENIE

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