GREAT Notley took a big stride towards taking the division one title in the Braintree and North Essex Sunday League as they triumphed in a battle of the top two.

Leaders Great Notley hosted second-placed Great Bardfield and won with a late goal to take a 3-2 victory and move seven points clear at the summit.

Matthew Potter and Scott Forbes were on target for Great Bardfield, but strikes from Ross Layton, Charlie Griffiths and Billy Kinkaid won it for Great Notley.

There was also success for the division two leaders as Braintree Legends triumphed 5-0 at Great Bradfords Reserves.

Legends' victory also took them seven points clear at the top of their table as Ben McGlashen scored a brace and Mark Reilly, Aaron Chinery and Dean Marange pitched in with one apiece.

The leaders were also in action in the premier division, but front-running Nags Head Celtic had to settle for a draw in this one as they were held 2-2 by fifth-placed Witham United.

United’s scorers were Merton and King, while Celtic had Kane Dobolski and Scott Lodge on target.

Also in the top-flight, Tiptree Elite won 4-3 at home against Bocking Social.

Kevin Barmen, Lewis Longdon and Mario Andrew got the goals for Tiptree, with strikes from Matt Stepton and Luke Snowling and an own goal replying for Bocking.

Meanwhile, CFC Shalford beat Flitch United 2-1 at home to move into the semi-finals of the Gordon Snell Trophy.

Tyrone White hit a double for Shalford, with Flitch’s scorer being Billy Skinner.

In the Neil Horrocks Memorial Invitation Plate, Onley Arms had a 4-3 win at Manor Works thanks to strikes from Stuart Cann, Ben Collar and Dean Wiffin and an own goal.

Matt Stacey hit a brace and Stuart Marsh one for Manor Works.