IT was a weekend of mixed fortunes on the road for the Gazette’s Thurlow Nunn League sides.

FC CLACTON and BRANTHAM ATHLETIC, of the premier division, had enjoyable trips, as did first division south pair LITTLE OAKLEY and HOLLAND FC.

However, title-chasing HARWICH AND PARKESTON suffered a setback at COGGESHALL UNITED while WIVENHOE TOWN had a disastrous defeat at basement boys Fire United.

Clacton were on their travels as they made the long trek to Kirkley and Pakefield.

The Seasiders were looking forward to getting back in action, having lost heavily at Wroxham before seeing last week’s home game against Haverhill Rovers postponed.

Thankfully for them, it proved a worthwhile trip as they returned with maximum points from a 3-2 victory.

Jake Clowsley was on target and there were a couple of goals from midfielder Harry McDonald.

Staying in the premier division, the weekend had started with a contest between Framlingham Town and Brantham, on Friday night.

And it was Imps, like Clacton, who returned home with maximum points, thanks to a second-half winner from Jack Madley.

In first division south, Harwich made the trip to Coggeshall.

The hosts can still have a major say in the title race, given the number of games they have in hand, and they got off to a great start thanks to a second-minute goal from George Smith.

The front man had scored all four goals in his side’s previous outing against Benfleet.

Third-placed Harwich were on level terms just before the break.

Jordan Heath converted from the penalty spot after a foul on Tyler Rose.

But that was as good as it got for the Shrimpers as they shipped three goals after the break and lost 4-1.

Andrew Fennel, Smith and Sam Cripps notched for the Weavers, who were reduced to ten men following a red card for Daniel Cunningham.

Neighbours Oakley were also on the road, travelling along the A120 to BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES and running out 4-1 winners.

It was an outstanding result for Matt Carmichael's side, with all their goals coming in the second half, scored by Harry Mann (two), Stephen Polley and Luke Mayhew.

There was a crunch match at the foot of the table as struggling Wivenhoe – reeling after 14 straight defeats – visited basement boys Fire.

A scrappy contest looked to be finishing goalless until the hosts grabbed a late winner for a 1-0 victory.

It was a disastrous result for James Meadows’ side, who now look in danger of finishing in the relegation places.

Holland visited May and Baker – coincidentally, the side they knocked out of the First Division Knockout Cup on Tuesday night.

And they enjoyed more success against the same opposition, romping to an excellent 3-0 victory.

Skipper Reece Keating, Jimmy Webb and Toby Harms scored their goals.

Over at the Taydal Stadium, BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT RESERVES were in action at home to Benfleet and led at the break thanks to a cool penalty from Alex Taylor.

The visitors converted a penalty of their own in the second half to make it all-square and then nosed in front just after the hour-mark.

However, Taylor popped up with a precious equaliser five minutes from time.

HALSTEAD TOWN were without a game on Saturday.

The performance of the week award was a tough call, given the particularly eye-catching results for both Clacton and Oakley.

However, our gong goes to the Seasiders on this occasion, given the fact they were up against top-ten opposition at Walmer Road. An excellent result for the Tendring side.