Gas pounce to move two points clear at the top of the Essex and Suffolk Border League

GAS Recreation took advantage of Tiptree Heath’s failure to beat Alresford Colne Rangers to move two points clear at the top of the Essex and Suffolk Border League.

Gas produced a resounding second-half display at School Lane to defeat Lawford Lads 5-2.

In contrast, Tiptree were held 2-2 at Ford Lane and are two points behind Gas, having played a game more.

The league leaders were drawing 1-1 at the interval but stormed through in the second half.

The visitors' goals came from Aston Firkins, Harry Hewes, Luke Taylor and a brace from substitute Ryan Taylor to keep their league and cup double hopes very much alive.

Lawford’s marksmen were Oliver Mann and Jack Wood.

Goals from Joe Chester and Harry Hazell were not enough at Alresford, but Tiptree remain in touch with crucial games to come.

West Bergholt had a fine 4-1 win over Dedham Old Boys with goals from Luke Bloomfield, Gareth Gibson, Jonny Murrells and Lee Townrow.

They will possibly finish in fourth place, although that will be a disappointment by their standards.

Kelvedon Social had a narrow 2-1 win at the Brantham Leisure Centre, beating the bottom side.

Martin Young scored both goals.

Goals from Kieran Baker, Christopher Bowles, Peter Brough, Joseph Hurd and one each from substitutes Lee Barrett and Michael Stephan proved too much for Little Oakley as Great Bentley romped to a 6-0 victory at Heckfords Road.

In the first division, Flitch United moved closer to the title and promotion with a strong performance to overcome Boxted Lodgers 5-1.

With one match to go, they are two points clear of Tiptree Engaine and Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves.

Next Saturday, in their final match, Flitch will win the title and gain senior football, subject to ratification, if they beat visiting Bures United.

Second-place Tiptree Engaine will become runners-up and seal promotion if they beat Boxted Lodgers.

Meanwhile, Alresford will be hoping for a slip-up from either of the top two while they will be engaged in the Reserve Knockout Cup against Wormingford Wanderers.

In division two, champions Stanway Pegasus beat Harwich Rangers 2-1 and Tollesbury beat second-place Long Melford Reserves 2-0.

In division three, runners-up spot will be fought out between Dedham Old Boys Reserves and Great Bentley Reserves.

Both are on 47 points and each have four matches to play.

The advantage had been with Dedham Old Boys but they were beaten 4-2 by Tavern.

Great Bentley went second, winning 4-0 at Barnston Reserves.

Elsewhere, Elmden Rovers overcame Harwich and Parkeston Reserves at the Royal Oak, winning 2-1.

Their scorers were Benjamin Hartley and Lennard Tulloch-Marsh while Ross Purll replied for the home side.

For Rovers, it has been a successful season following their entry to the league this season and will finish mid-table.

Oyster completed their program with an emphatic 6-2 win at Tiptree Heath Reserves.

Their goals were shared around with Sam Barker, Alex Barnett, Connor Eden, Alex Pacey, Ben Scholes and substitute Matt Barker on target.

Tiptree replied through Sean Watson and Ben Foster.

Another strong away performance saw Tiptree Jobserve A beat Hedinghams United Reserves 5-2 at Lawn Meadow.

AFC Sudbury reached the final of the Tommy Thompson Cup by beating Cavendish 4-1 and will now meet the winners of Stanway Pegasus or Long Melford Rserves on Wednesday, April 24 at Stanway Rovers.

On target were Samuel Girling, Joe Osborn and a brace from Ethan Mayhew.

Results: Tommy Thompson Cup: AFC Sudbury A 4 Cavendish 1.

Premier division: Alresford Colne Rangers 2 Tiptree Heath 2, Brantham Athletic Res 1 Kelvedon Social 2, Great Bentley 6 Little Oakley Res 0, Lawford Lads 2 Gas Recreation 5, West Bergholt 4 Dedham Old Boys 1.

First Division: Flitch United 5 Boxted Lodgers 1, Tiptree Jobserve 6 Cressing United 2.

Second division: Harwich Rangers 1 Stanway Pegasus 2, Tollesbury 2 Long Melford Res 0, Wormingford Wanderers Res 2 Hatfield Peverel Res 2.

Third division: Barnston Res 0 Great Bentley Res 4, Dedham Old Boys Res 2 Tavern 4, Harwich & Parkeston Res 1 Elmden Rovers 2, Hedinghams United Res 2 Tiptree Jobserve A 5, Tiptree Heath Res 2 Oyster 6.