Harlow came out second best in a bad tempered promotion showdown at home to Northwood. The match saw eight bookings and a flurry of bad exchanges, but goals from Dave Sargent, Kieran Knight and Chris Moore saw Northwood home and they now top the division by 11 points. Harlow had gone ahead inside ten minutes through Matt Harrold, but have now slipped to 5th as a Ryman Division One North title challenge seems a step too far for the Essex side.

Aveley defeated East Thurrock United to complete a league double - Stuart Horne made the breakthrough on the hour. Elsewhere, Tilbury lost 2-1 at home to title contenders Hornchurch with top scorer Jean-Marie Okita again on the scoresheet, while Wivenhoe lost out to in-form Uxbridge by a goal to nil.

The remaining match involving our Essex sides saw Great Wakering Rovers draw a blank at home to Thame United. Gary Ewers was guilty of the miss of the game, firing a guilt-edged chance wide in the final minute.