They may have left things late but a slender home success made sure that a north Essex side is sitting top of the fledgling Thurlow Nunn League division one south standings.

That club is Halstead Town and their 1-0 victory against Burnham Ramblers ensured Mark McLean’s team are at the summit after their opening four games.

It was a memorable day for Charlie Pleace at the Milbank Stadium as he was making his 100th appearance for the Humbugs, but it looked for a long time as though they may be denied a three-point haul.

Ramblers had shut the hosts out but Nathanial Downes eventually found a way to break the deadlock to record a valuable win on home turf.

Also winning at home were Little Oakley and their 2-0 victory - courtesy of a brace of goals by Harry Mann - against visiting Fire United, saw them tucked in behind Halstead in second spot in the early table.

Wivenhoe Town were also victors at home and Gary Monti’s men eased to a 3-0 win against Brightlingsea Regent Reserves.

A Jack Mead penalty put the Dragons ahead at half-time, before George Hart stepped off the bench after the break to fire in a double for the hosts.

While north Essex sides playing at home were seeing success, though, wins on the road proved harder to come by, with Holland FC losing 5-1 at Benfleet and Harwich & Parkeston were left still looking for a first win as they lost 3-1 at White Ensign.

Coggeshall United are also still searching for a first success, but the Weavers did see some reward on their travels as they drew 2-2 at Frenford.

They had to come from behind twice, but goals from Kris Oti and Ben Madden earned Coggeshall a point.

In the premier division, Stanway Rovers continued to show they will be a force to be reckoned with in the promotion race as they made it three wins from three with a 2-1 victory against Thetford Town at the Hawthorns.

Marley Andrews and Jonathan Carver were the Rovers on target to leave Danny Slatter’s side fourth in the top flight table.

There were defeats for FC Clacton and Brantham Athletic, though.

Clacton suffered a first defeat as they lost 1-0 at Wroxham, while Brantham were beaten 3-1 at home by leaders Norwich United.

The Imps had Regan Pelling on target.