WITHAM Town were unable to place a spanner in AFC Hornchurch's promotion works as the Urchins secured their place back in the top flight of the Bostik League in emphatic style.

The division north leaders arrived at the Village Glass Stadium knowing a win would secure their promotion to the premier division, while Witham were looking to complete the home and away double over the front runners.

In the end, though, league form and placings told as Hornchurch romped away with late goals securing a 6-1 win to spark a celebration party.

They took held a 2-0 half-time lead after strikes by Bradley Warner on 20 minutes and Elliott Styles on 45 and while Witham youngster Liam Whipps halved the deficit on 59 minutes, the Urchins eased clear in the final half hour.

George Purcell restored their two-goal lead from the penalty spot on 62 minutes, before goals from Alex Bentley, Warner and Christian Assombalonga completed Hornchurch's victory.

Elsewhere in division north, Colchester United's Eoin McKeown scored a hat-trick for MALDON & TIPTREE as the Jammers hit five-star form at Aveley.

Chris Millar put Maldon ahead on 16 minutes, before McKeown struck twice in three minutes just before the half-hour mark and Lee Barnard fired home a penalty just before half-time to put them 4-0 up at the break.

The only goal of the second period came on 78 minutes from McKeown, but it was significant as it completed the U's man's treble in a 5-0 victory.

The Jammers stayed seventh in the table - one place outside the play-offs - after local rivals HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS also enjoyed a victory.

Having drawn 0-0 against Potters Bar Town on Thursday, Swifts' win came in an Essex derby against visiting Tilbury as Jody Brown's side stayed sixth with a 2-1 success that saw late drama at the Aspen Waite Arena.

Kreshnic Krasniqi put the hosts ahead with a 62nd minute penalty and although they found themselves pegged back when Tilbury's Albert Keith fired home on 87 minutes, Heybridge showed their resolve by snatching a last-gasp winner.

It came courtesy of Ryan Henshaw, who scored Swifts' decisive second goal in the 90th minute for an invaluable three points.

In the premier division, it proved a tough day for BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT in another Essex derby as they were beaten 2-0 at Harlow Town.

Both of the hosts' goals came in the first half, with Alex Read firing home the first on 11 minutes from the penalty spot and Matt Foy got the Hawks' second on 27 minutes.