Tim Monsheju bagged a superb hat-trick as WITHAM TOWN thrashed Essex neighbours Bowers and Pitsea in Ryman League division north.

Adam Flint’s side moved up to sixth spot in the table after chalking up an impressive first home win of the season against their previously unbeaten visitors, at the Village Glass Stadium.

Monsheju gave Witham the lead after 16 minutes but Bowers and Pitsea, who went into the game protecting a 100 per cent record, needed only ten minutes to equalise through Scott Pethers as the sides went in level at the break.

Monsheju restored Witham’s lead three minutes after the break but Bowers hit back again on the hour mark, thanks to Luke Wilson’s equaliser.

However, Usman Adeniji put Witham ahead again midway through the second half and Monsheju completed his hat-trick a minute later before Adeniji converted a 90th minute penalty, to seal a fine win for Witham.

BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT are level on points with Witham in seventh place after they won 2-0 on the road at bottom club Wroxham.

Two goals in five minutes midway through the first half through Ricky Griggs and Phil Kelly put Brightlingsea in a commanding position at half-time.

And after no further goals were added in the second half, James Webster’s side were able to clinch their first away league win of the season.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Brentwood Town in their Essex derby at Scraley Road.

Swifts took the lead after 25 minutes through Callum Leah but Lamar Reynolds equalised with 20 minutes to go and the spoils were shared.

In Thurlow Nunn League, FC CLACTON’S disappointing start to the new premier division season continued when they were beaten 5-1 at Hadleigh United.

The Seasiders were goal-less with their hosts at half-time but Hadleigh produced a strong second-half performance to secure a convincing win.

HALSTEAD TOWN chalked up a notable 3-1 victory at Whitton United to maintain their unbeaten start to the division one campaign.

Lewis Cunliffe headed the Humbugs in front, before Marcus Warren’s deflected strike made it 2-0 to the visitors.

Whitton pulled a goal back from the penalty spot before the break after Joe Fowler had been penalised for a foul in the box.

But when a Whitton defender converted Tom Cook’s delivery into his own net with ten minutes remaining, the points were heading to Halstead.