by JAMES BROWNING

COLCHESTER United legend Karl Duguid was denied a dream start to life as manager of STANWAY ROVERS, with his new charges beaten 2-1 by Saffron Walden Town.

The first half-hour of the Thurlow Nunn League premier division contest was frustrating for Duguid, as he saw his side go close to opening the scoring time and time again.

Lewis Blanchett whipped in dangerous crosses and tested the hands of opposition keeper Pacey.

Chances came and went, as Tanner Call, Tyler Kemp and Billy Hunt all failed to break the deadlock before half-time, with some decent chances having come their way.

The away side didn’t fluff their lines, though, and took the lead against the run of play in the 29th minute when a Chris Portway shot deflected in off keeper Nick Punter.

They doubled their lead ten minutes into the second half with a swift counter-attack ending in a precise header from James Crane.

Walden were more than happy to sit back and defend their two-goal lead, meaning Stanway played out the rest of the half with complete control of possession.

They made it count when a smart run, turn and finish from Hunt got them a goal back – and they certainly threatened to equalise, with a penalty claim turned down and a number of Kemp efforts desperately cleared.

Walden did create one more chance, though, and were unlucky not to leave with a 3-1 win under their belts when Punter made a fantastic save to deny an almost certain goal following a corner.

Elsewhere in the premier division, WIVENHOE TOWN suffered a 3-0 defeat against Kirkley and Pakefield, at the Maple Tree Cars Stadium.

The visitors’ first goal came early in the second half, when they staged a counter-attack and lobbed the Dragons keeper.

A long-range effort made it two and a tap-in completed Wivenhoe’s misery.

FC CLACTON saw their four-game unbeaten run come to an end as they lost 3-1 at Walsham-le-Willows.

The Seasiders had been on level terms at the break thanks to Joe Moore’s goal.

However, Walsham kept the pressure up in the second half and scored two unanswered goals.

New joint-managers Matt Carmichael and Michael Brothers took charge for the first time as BRANTHAM ATHLETIC welcome Newmarket Town to the Leisure Centre.

The Jockeys took the lead but Brantham levelled through the in-form Ben Newson, bundling home after great work from both the goal-scorer and Sean Gunn.

Newmarket went back in front but Ollie Mann scored on his return from a long-term injury to secure a 2-2 draw for the Imps.

In division one, HALSTEAD TOWN grabbed the honours in a hard-fought north Essex derby – and possible promotion six-pointer – at HOLLAND FC.

Steve Eaton put the hosts ahead, connecting with a defence-splitting pass and rounding keeper Liam Daniels.

However, Halstead levelled after substitute Michael Runicles emphatically headed home Jordan Hutchings’ corner.

And they grabbed their winner when Shaun Avis buried a late penalty, after a handball by former Humbug Ricky Spriggs.

COGGESHALL TOWN came from behind to win 2-1 at Downham Town.

The division one leaders were behind at half-time but turned it around after the break.

BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES had no game.