IT'S as you were at the summit of the Ryman League division north table, with leaders Maldon and Tiptree holding on to their three-point advantage over Essex rivals and second-placed Brightlingsea Regent.

Maldon maintained their grip on the top spot thanks to a double from Colchester United striker Femi Akinwande in the first-half of their game at Ware.

The Jammers took control of the game in the first half with the U's man finding the target after his return on loan to his old club in the 29th and 35th minutes.

It gave the visitors a two-goal lead at half-time and although they were given a fright just after the break by Gareth Price getting one back for the hosts in the 48th minute, Maldon held on to their lead for the remaining 42 minutes for a 2-1 win.

With the leaders winning on the road and fellow title contenders AFC Hornchurch, Thurrock and Cheshunt also picking up three points, Brightlingsea Regent had to keep the pressure on with a positive result themselves.

And James Webster's men delivered as they won 3-1 against Aveley at North Road.

An own goal put the hosts ahead in the 39th minute and Aaron Condon gave them breathing space with strikes either side of half-time, although the perfect day was spoiled late on as Aveley snatched a consolation with a 90th minute own goal of their own.

Away from the title race, there were 2-1 disappointments at home for both Heybridge Swifts and Witham Town.

Swifts had trailed 1-0 at half-time at home against struggling VCD Athletic after Kojo Awotwi gave the visitors the lead and they doubled that in the 64th minute as Rashid Kamara doubled the Kent side's advantage.

Reece Grant quickly cut that back to one as he scored in the 65th minute, but Heybridge were unable to find an equaliser.

There was late heartbreak for Witham Town at the Village Glass Stadium as, not for the first time this year, they were pegged back by a last-gasp goal.

This time, it was visiting Haringey Borough who frustrated Adam Flint's side.

Borough had deservedly taken the lead in the 23rd minute as they ended a spell of pressure with a goal from Anthony McDonald, however, Witham worked their way back into the game.

They worked hard to get back and their graft was rewarded in the 45th minute when a handball led to referee Andy Loe pointing to the penalty spot, from where Nathan Koranteng slammed a shot into the bottom corner.

With the game evenly poised at half-time, both went looking for a winner after the break.

Witham had more than enough chances, but they were hit by a late sucker punch as Haringey striker Chris Benjamin snatched a 90th minute winner to take the points from under their hosts' noses.