by JOHN CAMPANY

THERE was a ‘Gas Leak’ at Southfields in the Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division as Dedham Old Boys surprisingly defeated Gas Recreation 3-1.

Old Boys manager Luke Tuttlebee believes his side are now making people sit up and take notice.

"This win was no flash in the pan," he said.

"I have assembled some good young players, blended with experience, notably 31-year-old Liam Macklin, who lifts the team.

"Gas were the better side in the first half, making use of the elements, using the long ball and holding an interval lead.

"Our keeper, Adam Minter, made some good saves that kept us in the game.

"We made tactical changes at half-time and substitute Darren Tarling was our game-changer.

"We played to our strengths and John Vitelli scored a fine hat-trick, including a penalty.

"The club is buzzing and full of confidence as we aim to at least gain a mid-table place this season."

Gas manager Simon Haywood sportingly conceded that Dedham were the best side they have met this season.

Hatfield Peverel retained top spot without playing.

They are one point ahead of Tiptree Heath, who won their third consecutive match with a solitary goal at Kelvedon Social, scored by Jamie Chesney.

Alresford Colne Rangers kept up their challenge with a narrow 1-0 victory at Barnston, with Christopher Morgan on target, and are two points behind the leaders.

There were four games in the premier division where the points were shared. Earls Colne were held by visiting White Notley 1-1, with Ricky Loveridge and Martin Cullum the respective scorers and a similar scoreline saw Hedinghams United secure an important point at home to Great Bentley.

At the Lorkin Daniel Field, West Bergholt and Little Oakley Reserves fought out a goalless draw.

However, in contrast, there was an eight-goal thriller at Robletts Way that saw Wormingford Wanderers share eight goals with visiting Lawford Lads.

The home side’s Ben Bracey grabbed a hat-trick and picked up two yellow cards while Elliott Lamb completed their tally.

For the visitors, their marksmen were Nathan Ainger, Oliver Mann, Harry Parkes and Jack Wood

Leighton Galvin and Michael Runicles scored the goals that took Tiptree Engaine to the first division summit on goal difference following a 2-1 win at Bell Vue, whose scorer was Ryan Martyr.

They are now strongly placed with 21 points from their opening eight matches.

It's goals galore for high-scoring Cressing United, who hit another five in the defeat of visiting Brantham Athletic A.

There was a brace from Aaron Collier and one each from Sean Goode, Timothy Howlett and James King.

It’s now 12 goals in the last three matches and, as a result, they moved into third place in the first division.

Results: Suffolk Senior Cup: Brantham Athletic A 0 Debenham Leisure Centre 2.

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

First division: Bell Vue Social 1 Tiptree Engaine 2, Colne Athletic 7 Little Oakley A 2, Cressing United 5 Brantham Athletic A 2, Gas Recreation 2 Bures United 5.

Second division: Cavendish 2 Tollesbury 2, FC Clacton Res 0 AFC Sudbury A 5, Hatfield Peverel Res 2 Boxted Lodgers Res 0, Long Melford Res 5 Harwich Rangers 0, Mersea Island 2 Ramsey & Mistley 6.

Third division: Bradfield Rovers 3 Elmden Rovers 2, Shrub End United 1 Oyster 2, Tavern 2 Dedham Old Boys Res 1, Tiptree Engaine Res 4 Hedinghams United Res 1, Tiptree Heath Res 0 Barnston Res 1.

Essex Junior Cup – first round: Flitch United 1 West Bergholt Res 0, Boxted Lodgers 5 Stanway Athletic 3, Great Bentley Res 3 Alresford Colne Rangers Res 0, Tiptree Jobserve 4 St Osyth 0, Burnham Ramblers Res 2 Wormingford Wanderers Res 1, Lawford Lads Res 4 Langham Lodgers 4, Silver End United 7 Rowhedge Res 0.