FC CLACTON have all but sealed promotion back to the Ridgeons League premier division.

The Seasiders beat Long Melford 3-0 at the Bowl to virtually seal their place back in the top division, following a three-year absence.

Tommy Noble scored twice and Matt Waters was also on target, as David Coyle’s men secured an important win.

Clacton are now second and only a miraculous set of results can now prevent them from going up.

They have three matches left to play and have a 12-point cushion over fourth-placed Gorleston, with the Seasiders’ goal difference far superior.

HALSTEAD TOWN were thrashed 5-1 at Godmanchester Rovers.

Town conceded three goals in a five-minute spell in the first half to fall to their heaviest defeat since last October.

Halstead, who were missing more than seven players, off to a tremendous start with a goal after five minutes.

Chris Bryan fired home at the foot of the near post, from Hyun Jin Lee’s corner.

Liam Morley and Ray Turner both went close after that, as the home side were pushed back.

However, Godmanchester then hit the net three times in quick succession.

Grant Robbins scored with a long-range effort, before Jim Hall broke clear unchallenged to tap home.

And a minute later, Jake Burton converted with the Halstead defence in complete disarray.

To their credit, Town worked hard to repair some of the damage after that.

Keeper Connor Jordan denied Lee but Godmanchester had their tails up and gave the visitors the run around.

They added a fourth late in the second half when the lively Lee Boon was on the spot to make it 4-1.

The second half was a more even affair, although Godmanchester took their foot off the pedal.

Keeper Jordan made good saves to deny Bryan and Alex O’Leary, with Morley working hard to keeper Halstead in the game.

Town limited Godmanchester to only one further goal late in the game.

Hall lobbed keeper Ed Wootten with hardly a defender in sight, to wrap up the home side’s victory.

WITHAM TOWN are in pole position to finish in the top-two places in the Essex Senior League, following their 1-0 win at Enfield 1893.

Town were forced to defend for long periods at Goffs Lane and they did it well.

Their keeper Rhys Madden dealt well with the home side’s shots and crosses while at the other end, home keeper Neil Lopas also made a superb save.

Town looked strong in attack and Enfield’s defence often resorted to some desperate clearances, as they come under pressure.

Rob Whitnell’s shot was cleared off the line but Whitnell then stuck the all-important winner, just before half-time.

He netted with a fierce shot, after some good build-up play by Witham.

The second half was an end-to-end affair but Town were able to secure the three points.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS played out a 1-1 draw with Potters Bar Town, at Scraley Road.

Wayne Bond’s side play their final game of the Ryman League division one north season on Saturday when they host Romford.