St Francis edged out Kent County League side Blackheath United 1-0 in the second round of the London Junior Cup on Saturday to set up an intriguing tie against last season’s Ilford and District League Premier Division champions, East Londoners, now members of the Essex Olympian League.

In the Essex Junior Cup, Melbourne Sports came from 2-0 down with a few minutes to go to force their game against Sheering into extra-time, eventually prevailing 3-2 against their Bishops Stortford League opponents.

This takes Melbourne's participation into next year and a fourth round tie at home to Chingford Town or Sumners, who saw their own game postponed. Chingford Athletic’s trip to Southend-based Weir Sports also succumbed to the weather.

The Essex Junior Trophy was less successful for the Essex Alliance League clubs as Singh Sabha Barking travelled to Flyers and were eliminated 5-2 against the Romford League side, while West Essex Reserves hosted Real Maldon and lost 4-2.

Northend’s trip to the seaside to face Southend Sports A was cancelled and the league is awaiting the Essex FA’s guidance on the outcome of this tie.

Three Colts secured a place in the third round of the Fenton Cup after they travelled to Dagenham to face Northend Reserves and came away 2-0 winners with goals from Richard Blackwell and Kane Beaumont. The win secured a home tie against St Johns Deaf.

In the Premier Division, May & Baker EC A took full advantage of the failings of their closest rivals to open up an eight-point gap at the top following a 2-0 away win at Eastside Rangers.

Second-placed Jolof Sports suffered a 2-1 reverse away at Cranes United, while AAH Romford returned to winning ways with a 3-0 home victory against Newham Reserves to lift themselves two places and up to ninth in the table.

Late goals and comebacks were the theme in Division One as St Johns Deaf came from behind against Chingford Town Reserves to win 5-3 to maintain their charge.

Vittoriosa Falcons also had to do it the hard way, scoring a late winner away at London Bari Reserves to stay in second place.

Another side leaving it late were leaders Blue Marlin, who struck just before the end to secure a 3-2 win at home to Forest Green courtesy of a double from Chibueze Anyaegbu and a single from James Toppin.

Lord Nelson rescued a late point against Glendale, who had led into the final minutes but had to settle for a 3-3 draw. Kalu Olugu, Andrejs Nosikovs and Bradley Doyle were the Glendale scorers.

Leyton Green remained top of Division Two following a win by the odd goal in nine away at Custom House, while Cowley Community stayed within touching distance following a 2-0 away victory at form side Dagenham United.

Grove United hit double figures at home to St Francis Reserves in a 10-0 win that moved them up to third and six points off the leaders.