THERE was no doubting which game took top billing in the Thurlow Nunn League.

The match of the day was at the Milbank Stadium where HALSTEAD TOWN – second in first division south – played host to leaders Hashtag United.

The game had the makings of being a title decider, with the visitors six points ahead but having played a game more.

Halstead therefore needed to win but, alas, succumbed to a 1-0 defeat in front of a bumper crowd of over 800 fans.

Amazingly, it was the highest attendance of the season across all step six leagues.

Hashtag led at the break thanks a curling free-kick into the top corner, just after the half-hour mark.

And it proved the only goal of a nerve-jangling afternoon, meaning their lead at the summit is now nine points.

Elsewhere, COGGESHALL UNITED kept their outside chances of the title alive after running out 3-1 winners at home to Wormley Rovers.

The Weavers are still in the race for top spot, just, because of their games in hand on the quartet above.

Danny Scott gave them the ascendancy at half-time and Andrew Fennel added a couple more after the break to complete a comfortable victory at West Street.

WIVENHOE TOWN had a host of new signings on board for their trip to third-placed White Ensign.

Experienced defender Tim Dennis has returned to the club, having spent this season at Colne Athletic.

Also joining are 21-year-old winger Lewis Stantiall, whose former clubs include Stansted and Coggeshall United, and ex-Takeley and Bishop's Stortford goalkeeper Jordon King.

The rejuvenated Dragons were unbeaten in four and had won their previous three but came a cropper at Ensign, losing 4-1.

Myles Passley scored their consolation goal.

There was a meeting of two old Essex and Suffolk Border League foes as HOLLAND FC entertained Tendring neighbours LITTLE OAKLEY and it finished 3-1 to the visiting Acorns.

Greg Rodger, Luke Mayhew and Lewis Wood scored their goals and thanks to a superb performance against the First Division Knockout Cup finalists, this weekend's star performance goes to in-form Oakley.

BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES drew 1-1 at Frenford.

FC CLACTON had a miserable day at the office, crashing to a 4-1 defeat against premier division basement boys Framlingham Town.

The Seasiders knew a victory would take them to 50 points – last season’s final total – and they were hoping to build on Tuesday’s victory against Haverhill Rovers.

Instead, they crashed to a heavy defeat – despite taking a fourth-minute lead through Jordan Brazitis.

The Castlemen went on to score all their goals during a forgettable first half for Tom Austin’s side.

BRANTHAM ATHLETIC continued their bright form under Michael Brothers with a 2-0 victory at Haverhill Rovers.

Their opener came when Craig Hughes headed home Luke Barnard’s corner.

HARWICH AND PARKESTON had no game and return to first division south action at Hackney Wick on April 10.

BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT RESERVES also had a weekend off and host Wivenhoe in their next fixture on Friday night.