West Bergholt failed to grab all the points from their Kent Blaxill Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division encounter at Dedham Old Boys, as they drew 1-1, leaving the door open for Little Oakley to join them at the top after their stunning 9-2 victory over Gas Recreation.

Gavin Mann hit a hat-trick for Oakley, with two for Lewis Wood and singles for Trevor Lewis, Darren Cook, Michael McLachlan and Lee Sharpe.

University of Essex were another side who were held to a 1-1 draw at Coggeshall Town, but White Notley got it right as they beat Great Bentley 1-0 on the road.

Brightlingsea Regent beat out Mersea Island 3-2, but Team Bury crashed 2-1 at Weeley despite taking the lead at Vista Road.

Weeley came back with goals form Ross Nash and Carl O’Sullivan.

Earls Colne and Hatfield Peverel shared the points, but there was no doubting their attitude as they fought out a 3-3 draw, while Alresford Colne Rangers had to call off their game with Tiptree Heath because of the pitch being unfit.