Goals from Mike Shelley, Dan Stanley and Ricky Holmes gave Southend's White Ensign the victory they needed last night to be virtually certain of retaining the Essex Intermediate League Senior Division One title.

They went top with a 3-0 win over Epping at Eastwoodbury Lane and would have to lose their final match next Tuesday against relegated Shenfield Association by a 12-goal margin to miss out on the championship to Frenford Senior.

The match will be played at Hornchurch.

Meanwhile, Canvey striker Jason Hallett, 18, who scored nearly 50 goals for the reserves last season, has signed a new 12 month Park Lane contract.