WHILE they triumphed against the frosty conditions that defeated some in the Ryman League, Brightlingsea Regent were unable to beat struggling Brentwood Town in a dramatic finish to their division north game.

The icy weather saw a number of fixtures called off due to frozen pitches, including HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS' division north game at Thurrock and WITHAM TOWN'S one at VCD Athletic.

A pitch inspection was also required at North Road, but the Brightlingsea surface survived the winter chill and their division north action got the go ahead.

The work to prepare the pitch looked worthwhile in the 12th minute when Josh Gould's opening strike put Regent ahead, however, they were pegged back as Leon Gordon equalised for the visitors in the 23rd minute.

Parity lasted just four minutes, though, and Tom Richardson warmed the home supporters with a second goal that put Brightlingsea back in the lead at the break.

It was an advantage that James Webster's side held on to for almost the entirety of the second half and it looked as though his third-placed side would claim an important three points in the promotion race.

However, Brentwood are battling to steer clear of relegation danger and showed great fight to battle back at the end as Andrew Freeman struck in the 90th minute to earn them an invaluable point as the game ended 2-2.

Another side at the forefront of the promotion race - leaders MALDON & TIPTREE - also got their pitch ready despite the frost and were facing another of division north's strugglers.

The Jammers welcomed Great Wakering Rovers to their Park Drive fortress looking to preserve an unblemished league record on their own turf this year.

Maldon had won every one of their previous 15 Ryman League games at home and this one proved no different as the home side extended their lead at the top to nine points and consigned Wakering to a place at the foot of the table.

The damage was all done in the first half by Kevin Horlock's men.

Liam Nash put Maldon ahead with 15 minutes on the clock and Eoin McKeown doubled the Jammers' advantage in the 28th minute to put them 2-0 ahead at half-time.

That was how the game ended as Maldon took advantage of Thurrock's lack of action and Brightlingsea's late slip to strengthen their bid for the title.