THERE were goals galore on a day of sizeable successes for our Thurlow Nunn League sides.

The biggest victors in first division south were on-song LITTLE OAKLEY, who romped to an amazing 8-0 victory at home to shell-shocked Wormley Rovers.

The Acorns brushed aside the disappointment of Tuesday’s Essex Senior Cup exit with a thumping victory at the Memorial Ground.

It shifted them up to fourth in the table and was an exceptional result against opposition that started the day sitting second.

WIVENHOE TOWN were also in free-scoring form, running out 6-2 winners at home to Hackney Wick.

It was an excellent victory for the Dragons, who continued their strong start to the season thanks to two goals apiece for David Lopez and Pete Maina.

Tom Lakin and Dean Merrett were also on target at the Blackstone Stadium.

It was top-versus-bottom as HALSTEAD TOWN played host to basement boys Fire United.

The table proved a fair reflection as the Humbugs flexed their muscles and ran out 5-0 winners.

Amazingly, all their goals came in a one-sided first half.

Tom Cook set the ball rolling and Callum Vincent made it 2-0.

Ricky Gardner effectively settled the contest before further goals from Luis Berkane and Cook.

Halstead have now won five of their six matches.

They appear the team to beat so far and have a three-point lead over second-placed Lopes Tavares.

HARWICH AND PARKESTON notched their first victory after emerging from a tough match at in-form BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT RESERVES with a 1-0 success.

Skipper Jordan Heath nodded home their winner early in the second half.

Kieron Shelley’s side had drawn two and lost one of their opening three matches.

COGGESHALL UNITED and White Ensign shared the spoils from a 2-2 draw.

The Weavers have now drawn three of their opening five matches, losing the other two.

HOLLAND FC had no game on Saturday and return to action at home to Harwich on Tuesday.

Oakley have a midweek fixture against Brightlingsea while Wivenhoe are in Essex Senior Cup action at Takeley.

Meanwhile, it proved a disappointing day for our premier division teams.

There were defeats for both FC CLACTON and BRANTHAM ATHLETIC, with the Seasiders slipping to a 1-0 defeat at Haverhill Rovers and the Imps going down 2-0 at home to Godmanchester Rovers.

Clacton had been hoping to build on Tuesday’s heroic FA Cup performance – albeit one that ended in defeat after extra-time – at Witham Town.

Brantham, meanwhile, have now lost six of their first eight matches, including defeats in their last three.

STANWAY ROVERS made the long trip to Ely City and came away with a point from a 0-0 draw.

Danny Slatter’s high-flying side have only lost one of their opening six matches, winning five, and are fourth in the table.

Next up for The Hawthorns outfit is an eye-catching Essex Senior Cup date at home to Clacton on Tuesday.

So reflecting on the weekend’s action, there were strong contenders for our star performance award.

Wivenhoe and Halstead deserve credit for their goal gluts while Harwich celebrated their first victory, at Brightlingsea.

However, this week’s prize surely goes to Oakley.

To hit eight goals against a team that started the day second in the table is an outstanding achievement.