With two of the Schweppes Essex Senior League's leading sides, Saffron Walden and Ilford, being held to draws, Concord Rangers and Southend Manor both gave their honours bids a big lift on Saturday.

Concord took over fourth spot when, after falling behind to a fifth-minute Ricky Brown goal, they won 3-1 at Woodford Town.

Last week's hat-trick hero Dave Jenkins put them on terms after 10 minutes. Robbie Atkinson then gave the Canvey-based visitors the lead two minutes before the break and P Taylor wrapped up the scoring.

Southend Manor, who are due to host Ryman League Premier side Purfleet in a battle for an Essex Senior Cup quarter-final spot tomorrow night (Southchurch Park 7.45pm), went ahead at home to East Ham with a first-minute Rob Jones goal.

Simon Nicks moved up from defence to make it 2-0 five minutes into the second-half and, although Tony Goddard pulled one back for Hammers after 65 minutes, Keith Smith made certain of the points with a third five minutes from the end.

Saffron Walden were beginning to look odds-on favourites for the title a week ago. However, after losing 2-1 at Leyton last Tuesday, they were held 1-1 at home by another lowly side, Stansted, on Saturday.

However, the two goals netted by Walden's Marc Das in the past week has enabled him to move alongside Southend Manor's Ben Barnett at the top of the League's leading marksman list. Both have 12 to their credit.

Ilford looked set for the three points they needed to move closer to the top dogs when Wright gave them a 49th-minute lead.

However, plucky visitors Basildon United grabbed an equaliser in the 90th minute through new man L McCann. Although only drawing, Ilford have taken over second place from out-of-action Brentwood on goal difference.

Three games were washed out by waterlogged pitches, including the scheduled Crown Avenue, Pitsea, clash between Bowers United and Burnham Ramblers.

Hullbridge Sports also had their proposed trip to Eton Manor postponed, while the third game knocked out was Sawbridgeworth v Leyton.

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