MALDON AND TIPTREE remain three points clear at the top of Ryman League division north following an impressive 3-0 triumph over Tilbury this afternoon.

The Jammers took a 27th minute lead thanks to a flowing, well-worked move.

Rhys Henry finished coolly past Tilbury keeper Lee Butcher, after Liam Nash’s fine enterprise had seen him play a one-two with Sam Newson and pick him out.

Maldon went in 1-0 ahead at half-time and doubled their lead 11 minutes after the break through Tarryn Allarakhia’s well-taken finish after Henry’s pass had dissected the Tilbury defence.

Tilbury were reduced to ten men with 13 minutes remaining when their attacker Kurt Smith was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Maldon left-back Joe Claridge.

And the Jammers wrapped up their victory with four minutes remaining when Newson produced a fine low finish from substitute Adam Mills’ low pass, following a quick break.

Tilbury, who had started the day fifth in the table, finished the match with nine men after Simon Peddie was shown a second yellow card and given his marching orders, as Maldon consolidated their lead at the top.

BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT are now four points adrift in third place after they lost a seven-goal thriller at home to Phoenix Sports.

Phil Kelly gave the hosts a fifth-minute lead but four minutes later, Dajon Goldin equalised and Jack Barry then put Phoenix ahead midway through the first half.

Joshua Jackson made it 3-1 on the half hour mark and when Golding added another goal for the visitors four minutes before half-time, Brightlingsea were languishing.

But Robbie Rees pulled another goal back for the hosts before the break and James Webster’s side made a fight of it in the second half, after Tom Richardson made it 4-3 nine minutes after the interval.

However, Brightlingsea were unable to secure the equaliser that they so craved and were beaten.

Usman Adeniji scored a late equaliser as WITHAM TOWN came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw at Aveley.

A Lance Akins own goal in the fifth minute saw Town fall behind but Tim Monsheju levelled things up, nine minutes later.

Aveley thought they had claimed all three points when Odamo restored their lead with six minutes remaining but Adeniji equalised four minutes later, to ensure the visitors a point.

Philip Anderson’s strike midway through the second half was only a consolation as HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS lost 3-1 at second-placed Cheshunt.

Luke Marshall gave Cheshunt a 33rd-minute lead and Adam Bolle made it 2-0 four minutes later, before Marshall scored his second of the contest.

And although Anderson struck after the hour, it could not prevent Swifts from falling to defeat against the Ambers.