By JOHN CAMPANY

HATFIELD Peverel continue to surprise and a 2-0 win over visiting Great Bentley consolidated their position at the top of the Essex and Suffolk Border League.

While it’s a closely-contested top five, Hatfield chairman Jim Isaacs is delighted with how the club have progressed this season.

He took time out to talk to the Gazette, detailing the advances made this season and speaking with great enthusiasm about his two goalscorers on Saturday, Adam Brotherton and Lawrence Hale.

"Adam signed from Springfield and, despite advances from other clubs, Lawrence remained loyal," he said.

"While both are spearheading our attack, goals are now more evenly spread throughout the team.

"The side has also been strengthened with the signing of Callum Knightsbridge, from Dedham Old Boys, and new keeper Peter Ellis.

"Training has received a boost by increasing to two sessions a week under the direction of a UEFA B coach and these are well-attended.

"Our aspirations are to achieve a top-four place at the end of the season."

The chasing teams all recorded wins.

Tiptree Heath are a point behind with a solitary goal from Jack Tollhurst in their home game with Earls Colne.

It's now eight wins from ten matches for Heath.

Third-place Alresford Colne Rangers narrowly beat Wormingford Wanderers at Robletts Way, with Daniel Boxell and Reife Marangou each scoring, while Ben Fowler got the homes side’s consolation.

After Dedham Old Boys' success over current champions Gas Recreation, it was back to earth with the visit of West Bergholt, who overpowered the home side 4-1.

There were two goals from Jack Harrington and one apiece for Daniel Keeble and David Wier.

Chris Tracey’s side have moved into fourth place ahead of Gas Rec, who redeemed themselves following last week’s debacle with a resounding 6-1 win at Bromley Road against Little Oakley Reserves.

On target were Jack Gregory, with a brace, and two from Luke Taylor, with Ryan Dale and Harry Hewes completed the scoring. Oakley replied through Liam Duly.

There was a convincing 3-0 win for Hedinghams United at home to Barnston, with Robert Constontin grabbing a hat-trick, and Kelvedon Social comfortably beat lowly Brantham Athletic Reserves 4-1.

Kieran Burton, Ben Turner, Peter Whitewell and Martin Young were on target.

White Notley were comfortable winners at School Lane, beating hosts Lawford Lads 5-2.

The goals included a brace from Lee Ifield and one each from Patrick Wilkinson, Robert King and Mathew Knowles, while the home side’s marksmen were Sean Lorimer and Oliver Mann.

Results: Premier division: Wormingford Wanderers 1 Alresford Colne Rangers 2, Dedham Old Boys 1 West Bergholt 4, Hatfield Peverel 2 Great Bentley 0, Hedinghams United 3 Barnston 0, Kelvedon Social 4 Brantham Athletic Res 1, Lawford Lads 2 White Notley 5, Tiptree Heath 1 Earls Colne 0, Gas Recreation 6 Little Oakley Res 1.

First division: Little Oakley A 4 Brantham Athletic A 3, Colne Athletic 3 Cressing United 2, Flitch 1 Tiptree Engaine 5, Tiptree Jobserve 2 Bell Vue Social 6.

Second division: Cavendish 2 Long Melford Res 2, FC Clacton Res 3 Mersea Island 1, Rowhedge 4 Lawford Lads Res 1, Tollesbury 0 AFC Sudbury A 7.

Third division: Elmden Rovers 2 Harwich & Parkeston Res 2, Gosfield United 5 Shrub End United 2, Oyster 3 Tavern 4.

Reserve KO Cup: Little Oakley A 5 Tiptree Jobserve A 1, West Begholt Res 0 Dedham Old Boys Res 1, Boxted Lodgers Res 2 Barnston Res 1, Great Bentley Res 6 Brantham Athletic A 2, Tiptree Engaine Res 4 Tiptree Heath Res 1, Alresford Colne Rangers Res 8 Gas Recreation Res 2.