Aveley head the charge to be the highest-finishing Essex club in Ryman Division One North this season.

Harlow Town's collapse from potential title-challengers has seen Aveley move above the Hammerskjold Road side, and they won 2-1 on Saturday with goals from Trevor Paul and Carl Fannon. Harlow slipped again, 1-0 at home to Wealdstone, with Tommy Williams bagging the winner on 56 minutes. Elsewhere, Billy Cove and Lee Burns hit the goals as East Thurrock United edged past Wingate & Finchley, while Great Wakering Rovers fell at free-scoring Berkhamstead Town. Danny Ringer and Tommy Dalgarno were on target but the hosts ran in four goals through Simon Sweeney, Ben Smith (2) and Gary Sippetts.

Tilbury's home clash with Oxford City was postponed, while Wivenhoe Town gained a useful point against Yeading. Darren Bethell was on target with a second-half equaliser to all but confirm Ryman Division One status next season.

Published Monday, April 21, 2003

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