Two goals from top-scorer Chris Bryan in the opening seven minutes gave promotion-chasing Halstead Town a crucial 2-1 win over Ipswich Wanderers.

But their vital Ridgeons League division one game at Rosemary Lane was in danger of not being played, after the appointed officials failed to turn up.

After frantic efforts by both Halstead and the Ridgeons League, three officials were found at short notice.

The game eventually kicked-off at 8.30pm and the delay seemingly did not affect in-form Halstead.

The win took Town above Debenham LC and into the third and final promotion spot in the division one table.

Halstead have a two-point cushion, heading into their final game of the season at Great Yarmouth Town on Saturday.

Bryan, who converted a Lee Townrow cross for his first then robbed a defence and rounded keeper Gary Hammond for his second, might well have had five goals.

He also hit the woodwork three times, one from the penalty spot and another from a free-kick which rattled the bar in the latter stages.

But after their early raids in which they might have had four goals, Halstead were unable to add what would have been a clinching third goal.

Halstead, who lost Jimmy Pirie with injury after just 20 minutes with San Lee taking over, raced into a two-goal lead.

Ipswich did not threaten in the first half, although Camillo Douglas proved to be a tricky customer.

But the visitors showed much more aggression after the break and gave Halstead many anxious moments with their quick passing and clever inter-changing.

They were rewarded with 25 minutes to go when Leon Otley-Gooch powered home a header from Hamilton’s corner, with little challenge from a defender.

Although under pressure for long periods Halstead had their moments.

Bryan hit the crossbar after San Lee was brought down and also had a shot blocked on the line, along with Townrow.

But Halstead held on to move into the third promotion spot.

Elsewhere in the division, FC Clacton beat Gorleston 2-0, in their penultimate game of the season.

Goals from Kevin Coyle and James Dunkley sealed the double for the Seasiders over their hosts, in an entertaining encounter at Emerald Park.

Kick-off was delayed until 8pm because of the late arrival of two FC Clacton players.

But the disruption seemingly had little impact as Coyle put Clacton ahead after eight minutes.

He thumped home on the run at the far post, following good work down the right from Andy Gibbons.

James Dunkley added the second just after the half hour with a spectacular overhead bicycle kick from Coyle’s left wing cross.

Gorleston tried hard to find a route back into the game in the second half.

But the Seasiders’ defence held firm and the home side were largely restricted to long shots or headers which were mainly off target.

In the premier division, Sam Newson continued his prolific run of scoring with two more goals, as Stanway Rovers beat Wisbech Town 3-2, at the Hawthorns.

Newson has now scored 22 goals in his last 13 games and has 34 premier division goals to his name this season.

Angelo Harrop was also on target for Stanway, who play their final game of the season on Saturday when they host CRC.

Wivenhoe Town drew 1-1 with Haverhill Rovers at Broad Lane.

Ronaldo Wright bagged a late equaliser to secure a point for Julian Dicks’ side.

The Dragons travel to play King’s Lynn Reserves for their final game of the season this weekend.