Great Wakering slipped further back from the title hunt on Saturday as they lost 2-0 at struggling Chertsey Town.

Rovers' 10th defeat of the campaign was confirmed by goals from Neil Breslin on 38 minutes and a Colin Gould header midway through the second period.

Wakering's inability to break down a side who have leaked 100 league goals this season also contributed to Chertsey's first clean sheet in twelve matches.

The Essex side now sit a full 10 points behind leaders Horsham who easily overcame Barton Rovers at Queen Street and now look favourites for the title.

East Thurrock are also slipping. They fell to 6th spot after a 1-1 draw at Berkhamstead Town, the team directly below them.

The visitors took the lead on seven minutes through Wayne Tomkins' 20-yard drive, though Town's leading scorer Ben Smith restored parity with a 25-yard free-kick ten minutes after the restart.

Elsewhere, Wivenhoe were always second best at Leyton Pennant, losing 5-1.

Goals from David Bastion, Jermain Hughes (2), Jamie Richards and Ryan Harris confirmed the three points for the home side, with Wivenhoe's only reward coming through the lively Alan Day, who also had a goal ruled out early on.

Tilbury were well beaten also, going down 3-0 at home to Hemel Hempstead who scored through Chris Watters (2) and Richard McDonagh.

In Division Three, Aveley's baron run of results finally came to an end at home to Camberley Town as the Essex side ran out 3-0 winners.

Jamie Stevens and Lee Bauckhman hit two of the goals to hold 4th spot and take another step towards promotion.

Elsewhere, Witham lost 1-0 at home to title chasers Bracknell Town, who still remain eight points adrift of runaway leaders Croydon Athletic.

Published Sunday, March 24, 2002