by JOHN CAMPANY

ESSEX and Suffolk Border League side Tiptree Heath bowed out of the Essex Premier Cup.

They lost to holders Catholic United, from the Essex Olympian League, at Tolleshunt Knights Village Hall.

It was always going to be a difficult task against the successful Southend side and missed early chances cost Steve Chester’s side a place in the semi-final.

In the league's Knockout Cup, Hedinghams United progressed after an epic tie, defeating first division Colne Athletic, who led 2-1 at half-time.

After 90 minutes, the score was 3-3 but, in a fiery tie, the senior side got the winner to progress 4-3 after extra-time.

The home scorers were two from Steven Hill and a goal apiece from Ashley Taylor and Alexandru Gilca.

The visitors replied through Ross Barnard, who was subsequently sent off, Thomas Moore and Luke Rogers.

The first division side were further handicapped following the additional dismissal of Josh Vaughan for two yellow cards.

In the premier division, Barnston’s Jimmy Nyanga secured the win at Great Bentley with the solitary goal of the match.

Lee Townrow scored the only goal at School Lane, ensuring a West Bergholt victory over Lawford Lads that takes them a point behind leaders Gas Recreation, who were inactive, and Tiptree Heath, albeit having played more games.

Alresford Colne Rangers consolidated fourth position, beating fifth-placed White Notley 2-1 at Oak Farm with goals from Jordon Ellis and substitute Jack Lockwood.

In division one, leaders Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves were beaten 3-1 at Ford Lane by visiting Boxted Lodgers, whose scorers were Jack Keeble and a brace from Conor Howard, while Roger Smith replied.

Alresford’s Glen Linnane received his marching orders with a straight red to add to the home side’s woes.

Second-place Flitch United were held at Bures United, with the sides sharing four goals and placing the visitors in a strong position challenging Alresford.

They trail by two points with three games in hand and look promotion candidates.

United's scorers were James Stranders and Neil Rivett, while the home marksmen were Jack Durey and Courtney Prince.

Third-place Tiptree Engaine maintained their challenge by beating fourth-place Cressing United 3-1.

Basement side Brantham Athletic A almost snatched their first win with goals from Ben Allington, Kyle Roling and Christopher Tanner.

However, ultimately they were held to a 3-3 draw at West Bergholt Reserves.

Stanway Pegasus were back to winning ways, following three successive defeats, to continue their relentless pursuance of the division two title.

A comfortable 6-2 win over Mersea Island at Stanway School stretched their lead to 13 points over second-place Long Melford.

The visitors’ scorers were Frazer Lamb and substitute Alex Akinola.

As for Melford, they crushed Hatfield Peverel Reserves at the Keith Bigden Memorial Ground 6-0, maintaining a four-point lead over third-place Tollesbury.

Both Sam Newton and Addy Roy scored twice and Will Howe and Perry Newman completed the route.

Mid-table Cavendish had a good win at home to FC Clacton, who lost ground in the race for second spot.

Ryan Tatum and Haydn Taylor were the home scorers while James Thompson replied.

Leroy Eade hit a hat-trick for Harwich Rangers at Low Road Recreation Field against visiting Ramsey and Mistley and Rowhedge drew 2-2 at home to Wormingford Wanderers Reserves.

Josh Undrill got both goals for the home side.

Gosfield United, the runaway leaders of the third division, overwhelmed Tiptree Heath Reserves at Church Road 8-0 to open up a 17-point lead over nearest rivals Dedham Old Boys Reserves.

Joshua Preston and Andrew Turner both scored three and Alex Greaves and Ryan Vickery completed the scoring.

Results: Essex and Suffolk Border League: Essex Premier Cup - quarter-final: Tiptree Heath 0 Catholic United 2.

Border League Knockout Cup: Hedinghams United 4 Colne Athletic 3 (AET).

Premier division: Dedham Old Boys 3 Kelvedon Social 5, Great Bentley 0 Barnston 1, Hatfield Peverel 8 Little Oakley Res 1, Lawford Lads 0 West Bergholt 1, White Notley 1 Alresford Colne Rangers 2.

Division one: Alresford Colne Rangers Res 1 Boxted Lodgers 3, Bures United 2 Flitch United 2, Gas Recreation Res 3 Bell Vue Social 1, Tiptree Engaine 3 Cressing United 1, West Bergholt Res 3 Brantham Athletic A 3.

Division two: Boxted Lodgers Res 0 AFC Sudbury A 3, Cavendish 2 FC Clacton Res 1, Harwich Rangers 3 Ramsey & Mistley 1, Hatfield Peverel Res 0 Long Melford Res 6, Rowhedge 2 Wormingford Wanderers Res 2, Stanway Pegasus 6 Mersea Island 2, Tollesbury 3 Lawford Lads Res 2.

Division three: Barnston Res 9 Hedinghams United Res 2, Gosfield United 8 Tiptree Heath Res 0, Oyster 1 Great Bentley Res 1, Shrub End United 1 Elmden Rovers 1, Tiptree Jobserve A 2 Tavern 1.