Basildon United pushed themselves right back in the Schweppes Essex Senior League title race last night when they triumphed 4-2 at Stansted.

In wet and windy conditions at Stansted, Bees twice came from behind with goals from Paul Batt (2), Dean Sumner and Greg Hunt to move up to fourth place, six points behind leaders Saffron Walden with two games in hand.

Hunt has become a regular marksman in recent weeks and Basildon manager Micky Hall admitted: "In many respects last night's game was a bit of a farce.

"The torrential rain meant that there were a couple of inches of water on the pitch. I felt we were always going to win the game, but I was just as thankful that we managed to finish it without any serious injuries."

There's another big date for the new towners tomorrow when they host Ryman League Leyton Pennant in the first round of the Essex Thamesside Trophy, with a visit to Canvey at stake.

Two of the title-chasing group, Wakering and Saffron Walden, are out for a move up in soccer status to Ryman level.

However, to achieve this they must finish in the top two and only one will be allowed to go. Bowers and Burnham are the other Championship-seekers.

Wakering's hopes of elevation took a knock when they could only draw their clash at Southchurch Park against local rivals Southend Manor last night.

The derby game ended in a 2-2 draw in atrocious conditions and Wakering could count themselves a little fortunate to grab even a share of the spoils after a bitterly disappointing performance in which injured ex-League striker star Alan Hull was badly missed.

The two points Wakering dropped last night owed much to the finishing skills of outstanding Manor youngster Ross Collier.

The youth team product has had his progress over the past couple of years interrupted by a double fracture of the ankle.

Now, however, he appears back to his explosive best, and gave Manor a third minute lead with a superb shot.

Mark Hampshire grabbed a 10th minute equaliser, but the second-half was also marked with an early Collier goal after the visiting defence had left goalkeeper Dave Hudson badly exposed.

Wakering at least showed battling spirit and grabbed a late leveller through sub Ollie Evans.

As disappointing as Wakering were, credit must be given to Manor who, under new boss Mark Jenkins, have now lost just four times in 16 League starts. In last night's other Senior League derby, Concord Rangers and Hullbridge fought out a 0-0 draw.

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