Old Southendian claimed the Southend Borough Combination Veterans League Third Division Cup with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time win over Haydon Manor.

Manor took the lead with a Stewart header, but two Mark Jerman goals put the Old Boys in front.

A scrambled effort from Vernon put Manor back on terms, but they then had two players sent off.

However, Manor defended magnificently against a rampant Old Boys forward-line and just as penalties seemed inevitable, Simon Harwood lobbed the Manor goalkeeper from 30 yards to seal a famous victory.

There were two crucial games in the Premier Division. Front runners Ford Basildon scored a late equaliser against much-improved Chapel, who grabbed two goals through Williams.

However, the day belonged to Strollers, who whacked fellow championship chasers Maltby 4-1 with Engwell and Clapton both netting twice.

In Division One, Stambridge maintained their lead thanks to a 2-1 success at Laindon Athletic.

Both Tag United and Benfleet kept up their pressure with good wins at Wheatleys and Eastwoodbury Ramblers respectively.

Pride of place though went to AFC Corringham, who notched their first win of the season, beating Concord 2-0. Barter and Kempster scored.

Brit Athletic took a mighty step towards the Division Two title when they beat Basildon Irish 3-2. Hullbridge lost ground when they drew 2-2 with Nicholas Colts.

Ford Basildon 2nd kept their outside hopes alive when they won 3-0 at Zeus. At the bottom, Ekco and Ambleside won relegation battles against Estrada and Benfleet 2nd respectively.

Haydon Manor put their cup final disappointment behind them when they beat Chalkwell United twice in a double header. Rochford kept top spot when they thrashed Brit Athletic 2nd 9-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Wright.

Old Southendian also hit nine, this time against Eastwoodbury Ramblers 2nd, with Harwood hitting four.

Extra special - Old Southendian celebrate their cup final triumph

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.