WORMINGFORD Wanderers made progress in the Essex and Suffolk Border League's Knockout Cup.

They travelled to first division Tiptree Jobserve and returned with a convincing 5-2 win.

A brace from Luke Whybrow and goals from Martin Curtis, Elliot Lamb and Jamie Pringle sealed the first-round victory.

Gas Recreation continue to lead the way in the premier division after a close-fought win at Bromley Road, beating Earls Colne 2-1.

However, Tiptree Heath, their most likely challengers, also won a tight match against visiting Alresford Colne Rangers, 3-2.

They remain four points behind with a game in hand.

It was the leader’s 13th win, with Aston Firkins and Jack Gregory on the scoresheet.

It was an important six-pointer for Tiptree over Alresford and they provide the greatest threat to Gas.

Ryan Knill Jones hit two while Harry Hazell made the game safe.

At the Drift, Dedham fought out a 2-2 draw with Little Oakley Reserves.

The home scorers were Tristan Moseley and Henry Welham, while the visitors' marksmen were Sam Eldridge and Harry Windred.

The remaining premier division game saw Hedinghams United comfortably beat hosts Hatfield Peverel 5-1.

In the first division, Flitch United moved into third place after a resounding 10-3 win at Little Oakley A.

They were well-served by scorers Shane Pyne, with four, a hat-trick by Michael Morgan and further goals from Billy Sykes and Neil Rivett.

Colne Athletic hit seven against struggling Gas Recreation Reserves, winning 7-1.

Top-scorer Scott Yearling scored four, bringing his tally to 15, and further goals from Thomas Moore and Josh Vaughan completed the rout.

Boxted Lodgers won 2-1 at West Bergholt Reserves, with goals from Stephen Clewlow and Connor Howard, while Bures United were comfortable winners at Brantham Athletic A with a brace from Jack Hubbard and one each from Courtney Prince and Tom Wingfield.

In division two, runaway leaders Stanway Pegasus beat hosts Tollesbury 4-1 and Mersea Island defeated visiting second-place side Clacton Reserves 2-1 at The Glebe with goals from Andy Gibbons and Ryan Mahon.

It was Clacton’s second successive defeat.

At Furze Hill, Lawford Lads Reserves beat Ramsey and Mistley 3-0 with goals from Gregg Harrison, Dylan Lonergan and Adam O’Brien.

However, they remain anchored at the bottom of the second division.

Hatfield Peverel Reserves won 2-0 at Boxted Lodgers Reserves and Harwich Rangers had a good win against visiting AFC Sudbury A.

In the third division, leaders Gosfield United were held at Great Bentley Reserves 1-1 but remain at the helm, while third-place Dedham Old Boys Reserves had a convincing 4-0 win at Bradfield Rovers with their four goals coming from a Daniel Irving brace, Shane Pike and Jamie Rush.

Mid-table Shrub End United had a fine win at Hedinghams United, winning 4-2, with goals from Ryan Amass, Kieran Daniels, Craig Turner and Bradley Smith.

Tiptree Engaine Reserves beat Harwich and Parkeston Reserves, who surprisingly continue to struggle, 3-2.

Results: Border League Knockout Cup - round one: Tiptree Jobserve 2 Wormingford Wanderers 5.

Premier division: Barnston 0 Great Bentley 0, Brantham Athletic Res 1 West Bergholt 5, Dedham Old Boys 2 Little Oakley Res 2, Gas Recreation 2 Earls Colne 1, Hatfield Peverel 1 Hedinghams United 5, Tiptree Heath 3 Alresford Colne Rangers 2.

Division one: Brantham Athletic A 0 Bures United 4, Colne Athletic 7 Gas Recreation Res 1, Little Oakley A 3 Flitch United 10, West Bergholt Res 1 Boxted Lodgers 2.

Division two: Boxted Lodgers Res 0 Hatfield Peverel Res 2, Harwich Rangers 2 AFC Sudbury A 0, Mersea Island 2 FC Clacton Res 1, Ramsey & Mistley 0 Lawford Lads Res 3, Tollesbury 1 Stanway Pegasus 4.

Division three: Bradfield Rovers 0 Dedham Old Boys 4, Great Bentley Res 1 Gosfield United 1, Hedinghams United Res 2 Shrub End United 4, Tiptree Engaine Res 3 Harwich & Parkeston Res 2.