THE return of the Beast from the East did little to help the fixture list in the Thurlow Nunn League with a number of north Essex sides losing action to the wintery chill.

Plunging temperatures and snow brought by the bitterly cold wind from east caused several games to be postponed across both the premier division and division one.

However, there wasn't a complete wipe out and a number of clubs managed to get games on despite the weather's best efforts to disrupt.

One of those clubs who did see a game was FC Clacton, however, it wasn't a productive afternoon for the Seasiders as they made the trip to Walsham le Willows in the top flight.

For the seventh time in their last eight premier division games, Clacton were unable to find the target and it proved an unhappy return for goalkeeper Joe Fowler at the other end of the pitch.

Having rejoined the Seasiders after starting the season at division one side Halstead Town, Fowler started in goal but saw five go past him as Walsham eased to a 5-0 victory.

Another side to beat the wintery chill but perhaps wishing they hadn't was Brantham Athletic.

The Imps saw action as their hosts Stowmarket Town were able to get their pitch prepared but the visitors were unable to take advantage of that as they fell to a 4-0 defeat.

Stowmarket took control of the game towards the end of the first half when Remi Garrett opened their account in the 33rd minute and a strike from hot-shot Josh Mayhew on the stroke of half-time put the hosts 2-0 up at the break.

They were unable to stretch further clear throughout much of the second period, but did ease away in the closing minutes.

First Ace Howell converted from a Mayhew cross in the 88th minute to make it 3-0 and Mayhew then polished things off deep into time added on when he scored his 47th goal of the season to send Athletic home disappointed.

However, while Brantham and Clacton did see action, there were other clubs who were left frustrated.

In the premier division, Coggeshall Town's hopes of advancing closer to the top-flight title were hampered as their home game against Long Melford was postponed and a snowy Hawthorns pitch stopped Stanway Rovers seeing action at home against Godmanchester Rovers.

There was also a call-off at Wivenhoe Town as the weather prevented their game against Fakenham Town.

Division one was also affected as Little Oakley's home fixture against Halstead Town was off and Holland FC's hopes of hosting Framlingham Town were also dashed by the chill.