Southend Manor did neighbours Great Wakering Rovers a massive favour on Saturday when they went to league leaders Burnham Ramblers and pulled off a goalless draw.

That result puts Village side Wakering right back in the title race following their 2-0 home success over Canvey-based Concord Rangers.

Mick Stephens, who made the switch from Concord to Basildon United with manager Lee Patterson in the summer, is back at Thames Road as fixture secretary.

Wakering's success in a rather drab affair at Burroughs Park started when Gary Ewers netted with a 25-yard free-kick just after half time.

Aaron King, in the Canvey side's goal, did get to the effort, but the momentum carried the ball over the line.

King made a great save from a Paul Flack header, but Wakering wrapped up the points when Neville Hickton scored two minutes from time.

Unbeaten Saffron Walden who, like Wakering, have now confirmed they are going for a rise in soccer status to Ryman League level, won 2-0 at Ilford.

Goals from Keith Scourfield (38 minutes) and Tony Cawte (79 minutes) helped Hullbridge to a 2-1 home success over Stansted, who replied in the closing stages through Anthony Colocasidou.

The two Basildon-based sides gave clear notice that they are still very much involved in the championship race.

Basildon United played their first league game under new manager Micky Hall's control and won 1-0 at East Ham. Gary Makin's 12th-minute goal settled the issue.

Incidentally, Hammers' goal star Ross Weare is currently with QPR on trial and scored for their reserves in a 2-1 midweek defeat by Barnet.

Bowers still have a lot of catching up to do in games, but a David Hope hat-trick saw them 5-0 winners at Brentwood.

His goals came after 23, 27 and 44 minutes. Simon Deakin (36 minutes) and Kevin Mully (81 minutes) wrapped things up.

Busy midweek action tomorrow is highlighted by league games between Basildon and Hullbridge, Eton Manor and Sawbridgeworth (at the latter's ground) plus Stansted and East Ham. Bowers host Ilford on Wednesday.

In the Eastern Floodlight Competition tomorrow, Southend Manor, beaten 3-1 at home by Ryman side Ford in the Essex Thameside Trophy on Thursday with Paul Martin scoring, host Jewson League Brightlingsea.

On Thursday in the Eastern Floodlight Competition, Ryman League Witham are at Hullbridge.

Picture, top: Rovers return - Great Wakering (striped shirts) were back on the winning trail with victory over Concord Rangers on Saturday.

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