BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT gave their play-off hopes a massive boost as they pulled off a sensational 1-0 victory at automatic promotion-chasers Harlow Town.

Boss James Webster had called for his side to produce their performance of the season, following the disappointment of last week’s home defeat against Cray Wanderers.

And he was not to be disappointed as Terry Rymer’s seventh-minute goal – which rebounded off the bar and over the line – took Regent, seventh in the table, to within three points of fifth-placed Cheshunt.

Webster’s side visit Haringey Borough on Tuesday.

At the other end of the table, there was another hugely-important 1-0 victory as HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS boosted their survival hopes by sinking fellow strugglers Barkingside.

Jody Brown’s side started the day fourth from bottom and hovering precariously just above the drop zone.

However, they allayed those fears for now with a hard-fought success at Scraley Road.

Lewis Godbold scored their goal in the last few seconds of the first half.

Earlier, George Cole had seen a penalty saved by the Barkingside keeper.

Two other teams still staring anxiously over their shoulders met when WITHAM TOWN paid a visit to Wroxham.

Both started the day in the bottom seven, needing points to avoid being sucked into the relegation dogfight, and it finished 0-0.

MALDON & TIPTREE enjoyed a 2-0 success at relegation-haunted Romford.

Ben Wyatt and Sam Newson scored their goals, both in the first half.