Linford Wanderers are through to the final of the Essex Junior Cup after a 3-1 away win over Halstead Sports.

Southend District League Linford, who made the semi-finals last year, went one better this time thanks to Ian Bass, Darren Ledger and an own goal.

In the Premier Division, Rochford Town took advantage of Linford's absence on cup duty to go top with a 5-0 win at Canvey Orient. Ames grabbed a hat-trick.

Third-placed Sparkbridge crashed 5-1 at Sixty Acres, who are fighting off relegation. Broadbent and Pamphileon scored two apiece.

Thundersley and Hadleigh climbed to fifth with a 2-1 win at bottom club Armada Sports. Hanson and White netted for the winners. AFC Horndon climbed away from immediate danger with a 3-1 win over struggling Parma Sports thanks to Hornsby, El-bourne and Hawkins.

Wickford Rangers, lying sixth in Division One, are still in the title race after holding second-placed Hockley and Hawkwell 0-0. They have five games in hand on the leaders.

Thundersley Rovers went top after thrashing Corinthians 7-2 away with Lyndsay scoring four.

Enterprise Athletic, lying third, are still on a bad run and lost 2-0 at CUACO, with Gwilliam and Bryant scoring.

Rochford Town Reserves had braces from L Clark and Patient to thank for the 6-0 win at Blackgate Gunners, while Rayleigh had a trio from Bartlett and two apiece from Hicks and Vanderhyde to thank for their 7-3 success over bottom club Ashworth Town.

Belvedere are top of Divi-sion Two and are just three points away from certain promotion after beating Linford Reserves, who are third, 3-2 away. Newton netted two.

Stanford Wanderers also look favourites to go up after beating bottom club Middleway 6-0. Richardson and Scott got a brace each.

Kuka Sports, lying fourth, beat Parma Sports Res 4-2. Gillam scored two.

Bicknacre, in fifth place, beat Hockley and Hawkwell Reserves 5-1. Marks and Annul scored two each.

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