by JOHN CAMPANY

TWO divisional titles have been settled in the Essex and Suffolk Border League, subject to ratification.

Newcomers Gosfield United wrapped up the third division title after a 3-0 win at Tiptree Engaine Reserves, with goals from Jake Gilder, John Slater and Andrew Turner.

Manager Mark Wiskin and his side can now look forward to a place in the second division next season.

In division two, Stanway Pegasus, also new to the league, will be crowned champions, having lost just one of their 22 matches.

They have won all the others and should provide tough competition in division one next season.

However, the battle for the premier division title marches on, with both Tiptree Heath and Alresford Colne Rangers chasing current champions Gas Recreation.

The leaders faced a tricky challenge at Oak Farm against White Notley but came through unscathed with a 4-2 win.

This was thanks to goals from Jack Gregory, Luke Taylor and two from Aston Firkins.

The home side’s response came from Alfie Cleal and substitute Michael Brewster, while Adam Bennett received a straight red card from referee Richard Oakes.

Tiptree Heath also faced a tricky assignment at Hatfield Peverel but kept the pressure on Gas with a 5-3 win.

Their marksmen were Harry Hazell and Cameron Ward, each scoring twice, while substitute Ryan Scilltoe completed the scoring.

Alresford Colne Rangers went on the rampage at The Drift with a convincing 6-3 victory to maintain their challenge, albeit perhaps remote with too much ground to make up.

Their scorers were Quentin Daly, Ryan Lewis, Reife Marangou, Aiden Brien and substitute Christopher Morgan, who chipped in with two.

Little Oakley Reserves virtually condemned Barnston to the first division, barring a miracle, following their 2-1 win at High Easter Road and goals from Ross Brazitis and Jack James.

Hedinghams need a point from their last two matches to be assured of premier division survival, following their home defeat by Kelvedon Social who won 4-1 with goals from Luke Thurston, Mark Young and Jay Matthams.

In the remaining game, Great Bentley beat Wormingford Wanderers 3-0.

There is an exciting finale developing in the first division with Flitch United currently two points ahead of Tiptree Engaine but have played one game more while Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves are well placed in third but will need a little help from the two front contenders.

Flitch helped their goal difference, which might be crucial, after beating Gas Recreation Reserves 8-0 at Bromley Road.

There was a hat-trick from Shane Pyne, a brace from Jordon Marsh and Mathew Wickham and one from Neil Rivett.

However, they lost James Oates to a straight red card from referee Nathan Oakes.

Rangers had a 3-0 victory at Ford Lane, beating Little Oakley A with goals from Ross Nash, Roger Smith and Robert Cant.

Tiptree Engaine won at Cressing United 3-1, while Boxted Lodgers comprehensively beat luckless Brantham Athletic A 8-0 at The Leisure Centre.

Connor Howard and Jack Keeble both helped themselves to hat-tricks and Keith Hammond and James Burton completed the scoring.

West Bergholt Reserves defeated visiting Tiptree Jobserve 3-1 with goals from Luke Bloomfield and a brace from Gavin Hannah, while referee Simon Bird showed a straight red card to Bergholt’s Alex Brand.

In division two, runaway leaders Stanway Pegasus beat promotional hopefuls Long Melford Reserves 3-0.

Melford were not helped by the dismissal of Callum Denson.

The runners-up spot will be fought out between Melford Reserves, AFC Sudbury A and FC Clacton Reserves.

Sudbury enhanced their chances by beating Tollsbury 4-1 with goals from Jake Horlock, Ethan Mayhew, Joshua Tysoe and substitute Miles Sargent.

Results: Reserve Knockout Cup: Alresford Colne Rangers Res 3 Little Oakley A 0.

Premier division: Barnston 1 Little Oakley Res 2, Dedham Old Boys 3 Alresford Colne Rangers 6, Hatfield Peverel 3 Tiptree Heath 5, Hedinghams United 1 Kelvedon Social 4, Lawford Lads 2 Earls Colne 2, White Notley 2 Gas Recreation 4, Wormingford Wanderers 0 Great Bentley 3.

Division one: Brantham Athletic A 0 Boxted Lodgers 8, Cressing United 1 Tiptree Engaine 3, Gas Recreation Res 0 Flitch United 8, West Bergholt Res 3 Tiptree Jobserve 1.

Division two: AFC Sudbury A 4 Tollesbury 1, Boxted Lodgers Res 0 Rowhedge 2, Mersea Island 3 Wormingford Wanderers Res 3, Ramsey & Mistley 2 Hatfield Peverel Res 8, Stanway Pegasus 3 Long Melford Res 0.

Division three: Elmden Rovers 3 Barnston Res 1, Great Bentley Res 3 Bradfield Rovers 0, Oyster 1 Shrub End United 3, Tiptree Engaine Res 0 Gosfield United 3, Tiptree Heath Res 1 Tiptree Jobserve A 3.