Bergholt turn up the heat on Gas at the top of the Border League

WEST Bergholt took advantage of Gas Recreation’s inactivity by drawing level at the top of the Essex and Suffolk Border League.

They achieved this thanks to a 4-2 win at the Lorkin Daniel Field over visiting Great Bentley.

Gas still head the premier division table on goal difference but Bergholt have played two more games.

On target for the hosts were Luke Bloomfield, David Weir and substitute Daniel Woods, with replies from Joseph Hurd and Jake Vaughan.

Hedinghams United’s 2-1 victory over high-riding Alresford Colne Rangers is testament to their fine recent form after a poor start to the season.

It is now nine games without defeat, which includes five wins and four draws, since their crushing defeat at the hands of the league champions on September 29.

The Lawn Meadow boys have now moved to eighth in the table.

Rangers’ goal was scored by Jerome Murphy.

Little Oakley Reserves ended their poor run with a crucial win over visiting Lawford Lads.

Oakley have struggled recently and this was their first win from the last seven outings that sees them remain second from bottom, but with games in hand over other relegation candidates.

They were well served by Samuel Poole and Harry Windred, who were on target, while prolific scorer Oliver Mann replied in the second half for the Lads, making it 21 in all competitions.

It was a return to form for Hatfield Peverel, whose solitary goal scored from Sam Willis over Barnston sees them comfortably in fifth position.

Kelvedon Social and Dedham Old Boys played out a 1-1 draw at The Chase.

It was a good point for the home side, whose scorer was Troy Pitkin, while Keenan O’Boy replied for the visitors, who had James Parker sent off.

Meanwhile, at Brantham Leisure Centre, Athletic’s reserves continue to find life difficult.

The basement club were beaten 3-2 by White Notley, who were securing their third successive win to consolidate fourth position in the table, five points off the leaders.

The goalscorers for the visitors were a brace from Reis Farley-Hearn and Josh Goodey, netting his 14th goal of the season.

In division one, following two recent setbacks, Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves are back to form with a fine victory over at Ford Lane.

The 4-1 win over West Bergholt Reserves is ample revenge for their reverse at Bergholt in November.

Although they have played more games than the chasing sides, it's points in the bag as they consolidate top spot with a nine-point advantage over Tiptree Heath, who were without a match.

On target were Kye Learoyd-Tuckwell, with a brace, and Roger Smith.

The two remaining matches that survived saw Brantham Athletic A grab a point at Bures United in a 1-1 draw, with the hosts' scorer being Courtney Prince.

Meanwhile, Bell Vue Social won handsomely at Little Oakley A, with goals from Bruce Poole (two), Daniel Goodman and John Thorndike.

Oakley’s response came from Dean Whiten.

In division two, Stanway Pegasus travelled to Cavendish and marched on with a 10-1 drubbing to make it 14 straight league wins.

Third-place Tollesbury were held at home by Wormingford Wanderers in a 3-3 draw and Boxted Lodgers Reserves proved too strong for visiting Lawford Lads Reserves, winning 5-0.

In the third division, amazingly there was another 10-1 result at Shrub End. Visiting Gosfield United strengthened their position at the top of the table, opening up a four-point lead.

Alex Greaves helped himself to a hat-trick and Jake Gilder netted twice. The remaining scorers were Tom Doughty, Josh Green and substitute Liam Bowman.

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

Division one: Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves 4 West Bergholt Reserves 1, Bures United 1 Brantham Athletic A 1, Colne Athletic P Flitch United P, Little Oakley A 1 Bell Vue Social 4, Tiptree Engaine P Boxted Lodgers P, Tiptree Jobserve P Cressing United P.

Division two: AFC Sudbury A P Hatfield Peverel Reserves P, Boxted Lodgers Reserves 5 Lawford Lads Reserves 0, Cavendish 1 Stanway Pegasus 10, Ramsey & Mistley 3 Mersea Island 2, Rowhedge 2 Long Melford Reserves 3, Tollesbury 3 Wormingford Wanderers Reserves 3.

Division three: Barnston Reserves 3 Elmden Rovers 5, Bradfield Rovers 0 Great Bentley Reserves 6, Dedham Old Boys Reserves 1 Tiptree Engaine Reserves 3, Oyster 2 Harwich & Parkeston Reserves 0, Shrubb End United 1 Gosfield United 10, Tavern P Tiptree Jobserve A P.