LEADERS MALDON AND TIPTREE stretched their lead at the top of Ryman League division north after a comfortable 5-0 success at Dereham Town.

Kyle Hammond gave them a dream start with an early goal and Liam Nash’s penalty just before half-time made it 2-0.

It was the latter’s 23rd league goal of the season and he went on to add another after the break, making the points safe in the 73rd minute.

Substitute Rhys Henry and Tarryn Allarakhia both then scored in the last few seconds to make the score even more comprehensive.

Maldon have won three in a row – a very positive response to their derby defeat at Heybridge Swifts on Boxing Day.

And they now have a four-point lead as second-placed Thurrock – who had won their previous six, only conceding three goals in the process – drew 2-2 at WITHAM TOWN.

Usman Adeniji put the hosts ahead on the stroke of half-time before top-scorer Tim Monsheju netted on 61 minutes.

However, very late goals from Harry Cook and Charlie Stimson salvaged a dramatic share of the spoils for Thurrock.

BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT moved up to third – with four games in hand on the pair above - and they strengthened their position after a 4-1 success at Romford.

Tom Richardson put them in front after just two minutes and Danny Cossington’s own goal midway through the first half doubled the advantage.

Chinedu McKenzie pulled one back for the hosts – who finished with nine men after having Jamie Dicks and Kai Bichard sent off – but Connor Witherspoon settled nerves with a third for Regent.

Shamido Pedulu’s fourth in the closing stages was the icing on the cake.

The match between HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS and Aveley pitted Jody Brown against former colleague Terry Spillane.

The pair were together at Maldon – Spillane was manager and Brown his assistant – and guided the Jammers to the division one north play-off final in 2013, before losing on penalties to Thamesmead Town.

It looked for a long time like Spillane’s play-off chasing Aveley would get the better of Brown’s Swifts.

An early goal put them on the road to victory, but Phil Anderson rescued a point in the 86th minute.

Heybridge, who went into the game buoyed by a successful Christmas period, are now looking forward to Tuesday’s Essex Senior Cup quarter-final at home to Basildon United.