By JOHN CAMPANY

ALRESFORD Colne Rangers went top of the Essex and Suffolk Border League after a resounding 4-1 win at Kelvedon Social.

Their scorers were Daniel Baxell, with a brace, Ermal Mucaj and Aiden O’Brien.

Hatfield Peverel slipped to second after being held to a goalless draw at Little Oakley Reserves, while West Bergholt moved into third place following their narrow 2-1 win at Green Farm Meadow against Earls Colne.

Gas Recreation remain in touch with the leading sides following their 3-1 win at Bromley Road against Great Bentley.

Harry Hewes was again on target, supported by Dean West and Liam Dadds.

Hedinghams United are enjoying a four-match unbeaten spell and a 2-1 win at Oak Farm against White Notley has eased their early-season concerns. They now sit comfortably in mid-table.

They were indebted to Robert Constontin, their hat-trick hero last week, and Alec Pyman.

The home side’s response came from Robert King.

Lawford Lads recovered well following their 5-2 drubbing last week at White Notley by defeating visitors Barnston 5-0 at School Lane.

It sees them in a comfortable sixth position in the table.

Adam Thompson found the net twice and Harry Parker, Oliver Mann and substitute Jack Allan completed the scoring.

Barnston were reduced to ten men with Alex Scott-Bell receiving two yellow cards.

Brantham Athletic were without a match and remain at the foot of the table, isolated from the next five sides who have a point difference between them.

Earls Colne, Dedham Old Boys and Kelvedon Social are on 12 points while Wormingford Wanderers, Little Oakley Reserves and Great Bentley have 11.

However, Earls Colne seem to be in a precarious position, having played 14 games, while their fellow strugglers have games in hand.

In the first division, promotion candidates Tiptree Engaine strengthened their position with a thrilling 5-4 win at Little Oakley A to remain at the helm.

They are being chased by Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves, who consolidated second spot with an impressive 4-1 win at Colne Athletic to remain just three points behind the leaders with a game in hand, albeit Tiptree Engaine have a superior goal difference.

Cressing United are in third place, having been held by visiting Boxted Lodgers at Jeffreys Road 2-2.

Aaron Collier got both goals for the home side.

Tiptree Heath moved into the third round of the Essex Premier Cup by beating Watham Abbey A on the road 2-1.

The tie was deadlocked at half-time but second-half goals from Charlie Green and Cameron Ward secured their place in the third round.

The remaining second-round ties will be played this Saturday.

Results: Essex Premier Cup: Waltham Abbey A 1 Tiptree Heath 2.

Premier division: Earls Colne 1 West Bergholt 2, Gas Recreation 3 Great Bentley 1, Kelvedon Social 1 Alresford Colne Rangers 4, Lawford Lads 5 Barnston 0, Little Oakley Res 0 Hatfield Peverel 0, White Notley 1 Hedinghams United 2.

First division: Bell Vue Social 3 Gas Recreation Res 1, Colne Athletic 1 Alresford Colne Rangers Res 4, Cressing United 2 Boxted Lodgers 2, Little Oakley A 4 Tiptree Engaine 5, Tiptree Jobserve 1 Flitch United 2, West Bergholt 4 Holland A 3.

Tommy Thompson Cup: Cavendish 12 Bradfield Rovers 0, FC Clacton Res 2 Boxted Lodgers Res 0, Hatfield Peverel Res 1 Harwich Rangers 3, Long Melford Res 6 Elmden Rovers 1, Ramsey & Mistley 4 Tavern 3, Rowhedge 4 Wormingford Wanderers Res 2, Shrub End United 2 AFC Sudbury A 3, Stanway Pegasus 6 Tiptree Engaine Res 0, Tiptree Heath 0 Mersea Island 5, Harwich & Parkeston Res 2 Tiptree Jobserve A 1, Dedham Old Boys Res 5 Oyster 0, Gosfield United 4 Barnston Res 3, Great Bentley Res 4 Headinghams United Res 1.