Essex Alliance Football League

Premier Division

Chingford Athletic took full advantage of leaders May & Baker EC 'A' not playing to close the gap at the top with a 2-0 victory at AAH Romford on Saturday.

The referee due to take charge of May & Baker's clash with Cranes United did not turn up, allowing Athletic to cut their lead to nine points with four games in hand.

Goals from Mamoon Khan and Michael Mignot sealed the win for visiting Athletic.

Bottom-of-the-table Rainham Working Men's Club claimed just their second victory of the season and did so in style, routing Chingford Harriers 4-1.

The goals came via Connor Kain, Ross Adam Field, Gary Holmes and Tony David Maynard. David Fairlie got the Harriers' reply.

Rainham still only have eight points and their survival bid is hindered by the fact they have played four more games than St Francis, the side directly above them.

Chingford Town edged out Jolof Sports Club 1-0 to boost their chances of a top-four finish.

Currently sixth, Chingford are now only a point off fourth and have played 13 games - the fewest in the division at this stage.

Jolof remain third, ten points behind second-placed Chingford Athletic.

Division One

In the day's only game, second-placed Vittoriosa Falcons moved three points closer to Blue Marlin by beating Northend 3-1.

A Daniel Vearer brace was built upon by a goal from Nathan Scarborough, whilst Shomari Barnwell was the Northend marksmen.

The win means little for the Falcons' title hopes as they remain well behind the leaders and have played one game more than Blue Marlin.

Division Three

Top-of-the-pile Grove United were made to work hard for all three points, just edging out Singh Sabha Barking 3-2 in a closely-contested encounter.

Harry Chalk notched twice, with Jamie Pooley securing the third. Barni Lakhan and Jordan Aaron Hamilton hit back in vain for the hosts.

The win means Grove hold a two-point lead over West Essex Reserves - who were not in action - in second.

Struggling St Francis Reserves claimed what could be a useful point against Newham Royals with a 2-2 draw.

Mark Gaudoin and Marcel Byfield make sure of a share of the spoils for St Francis, with Shaun Harding and Chris Smith on target for Newham.

Fenton Cup Third Round

Premier Division Melbourne Sports just edged out Second Division Leyton Green 1-0.

A goal from Marcus Hill was just enough to separate the two.

Also reaching the fourth round are Three Colts, who were 4-1 victors over St Johns Deaf.

Jason Fox, Kane Beaumont and Fabian Donovan all registered for the home side.