Two local rivals had superb Bostik League division north results to lay claim to the star performance award on a day when north Essex sides kept the pressure on in the race for promotion.

The two sides are Heybridge Swifts and Maldon & Tiptree and both could be aggrieved to be overlooked for the honour after 2-1 and 3-2 wins respectively.

Swifts' claim to the award came with their win at Scraley Road in an Essex derby against Canvey Island as they extended their unbeaten run under new manager Julian Dicks to a sixth game.

Goals by Matt Price and Harrison Chatting saw them open a 2-0 lead early in the second half and although Jake Joliffe halved the deficit and the Gulls threw everything at their hosts in the latter stages, Swifts held firm to repel their Essex rivals.

Heybridge have now claimed 16 points since Dicks came in as boss and they are only outside the play-off positions now on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Maldon & Tiptree strengthened their hold on a play-off spot as they moved up to fourth with a 3-2 win at Dereham Town.

The Jammers had to stage a stunning turnaround in the second half after trailing 2-0 at the break, as goals from Colchester United youngster Oli Kensdale and Jack Cawley brought them back level with five minutes remaining.

And with Kensdale scoring an 89th minute winner, it is the style of the win that has seen Maldon edge out their local rivals to earn our Bostik League performance of the day award.

Another side reinforcing their place in the promotion race were Coggeshall Town, who moved up to second with a 1-0 home win against Barking.

Sam Bantick once again proved his worth to the Seedgrowers as he scored the only goal of the game.

However, the tussle at the foot of the table didn't favour an Essex side as Witham Town were beaten 3-0 at Soham Town Rangers.

Witham started the day with their hosts as the only side below them in the table, but their defeat means they are now rock bottom.