by JOHN CAMPANY

BRANTHAM Athletic Reserves, struggling in the Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division, had a change of fortune in the first-round proper of the League Knockout Cup.

The Imps defeated visiting Hatfield Peverel 2-1 at the Leisure Centre.

Despite their league problems, it was Brantham's second premier division scalp in the competition, having previously disposed of White Notley.

In last week’s summary, it had been suggested champions Gas Recreation might be on course for another premier division title.

However, Gary Bright’s Alresford Colne Rangers had other ideas by inflicting a solitary-goal defeat in front of the Bromley Road faithful, with their goal scored by substitute Aiden O’Brien.

Alresford moved into third placed, eight points behind the leaders, and they have a game in hand.

The main beneficiary proved Tiptree Heath, who won 4-2 at Hedinghams United.

It consolidated their second spot, reducing the deficit to six points, also with a game in hand.

The winners virtually wrapped up the points by half-time with a three-goal interval lead.

Their scorers were a brace from Charlie Green and one each from Joe Chester and substitute Callum Hunt.

Relegation-haunted Barnston got a point at home to Kelvedon Social, drawing 1-1 with a goal from Ademola Ayilara.

Martin Young replied for the visitors.

Great Bentley were held by fifth-placed White Notley in another 1-1 draw, with the visitors' goal coming from James Duckworth.

In the remaining premier division matches, Earls Colne earned a vital three points when hosting Lawford Lads at the Recreation Ground.

There were two goals from Connor Randall and one from Ricky Loveridge and Benrico Stripe, to ease any potential relegation issues.

Lawford’s marksmen were Sean Lorimer and Oliver Mann.

Mid-table Dedham Old Boys won at Wormingford Wanderers, with a solitary goal.

In the first division, Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves opened up an eight-point lead over second-placed Tiptree Heath - surprise losers at Bures United.

Third and fourth-placed Flitch United and Cressing United both won.

At Ford Lane, Alresford’s reserves beat Brantham Athletic A 5-1 - their 14th league win of the season - with goals coming from Robert Cant, Daniel Finlay, Glen Linnane and Luke Harrison.

Bures entertained Tiptree Heath, who they beat 2-0 with Jack Hubbard getting a brace.

Cressing United were 4-1 winners at Cage Lane.

They were two-up at half-time and a strong second-half saw them comfortably home.

Their scorers were Craig Copas, with two, and Daniel Hume, who also scored twice.

Paul Goddard replied for the home side.

Flitch United won vital points at Colne Athletic and are nine points behind Rangers.

However, they have four games in hand and are ready to consolidate a challenge for the first division title.

Their 3-1 win came courtesy of a Shane Pyne brace and one from Daniel O’Brien.

Bell Vue Social and Little Oakley A fought out a seven-goal thriller, with the home side narrowly triumphing against the visiting Oakley side.

The home side's scorers were Josh Grimes, with two, and one each from Bruce Poole and Ben Quinney.

Christopher Stratton was unlucky to be on the losing side with a brace while Franky Stratton got the other.

In the Tommy Thompson Cup, Long Melford won 5-1 at Harwich Rangers, Mersea Island beat Rowhedge 5-1, Stanway Pegasus defeated Ramsey and Mistley 4-0 while Tollesbury won 3-1 against visiting FC Clacton Reserves.

The featured match was at Low Road Recreation Field and that saw the Melford side convincingly move into the next round with goals from Will Howe, Perry Newman, Cory Willings and two from Sam Newton.