Grove United advanced to the semi-final of the Essex Alliance League Premier Division Cup after claiming a penalty shoot-out victory over Melbourne Sports on Saturday.

There was little to separate the two sides over a goalless 90 minutes, but United prevailed from 12 yards to set up a last-four meeting with Old Esthameians this weekend.

Cowley Community also needed penalties to progress in the Division One Cup against St Johns Deaf.

Yaseen Miah and Marios Costi were both on target for St Johns but Izunna Ogedi-Uzokwe’s brace and a Rondey Campemba strike for Cowley ensured the game ended 3-3.

Spot-kicks followed, with Cowley advancing to a quarter-final clash with Colebrok Royals with a 3-2 win.

In league action, Old Esthameians climbed to the summit of the Premier Division after a 3-2 win over title rivals Chingford Athletic.

Danny Morgan was Esthameians star performer as he scored twice in the victory which provided another twist in an increasingly tight battle to be crowned champions.

It could not have been a more contrasting weekend for United London as they were thrashed 6-2 against Lopes Tavares London. Joel Griffiths and Jermeel Jno-Baptiste got the United goals.

LOASS’s survival hopes took a blow with a 3-1 defeat to Blue Marlin.

Colebrook Royals were crowned Division One champions after a 5-0 win over Kitgum Boys.

St Francis were held to a 2-2 draw by West Essex Reserves to secure a vital point in their quest to avoid relegation.

The point was made all the more impressive considering West Essex’s position just four points adrift of the top three.

Sean Howe was on target for Ferns Seniors as they opened up a three-point gap on the sides below them with a 1-1 draw against Hackney Reserves.

An 11-goal thriller saw Avondale Rangers claim a dramatic 6-5 victory in their Division Two clash with Chigwell Rovers.

Chingford Athletic Reserves were in equally goal friendly form as they claimed a 7-2 win over Glendale. Aaron French found the net four times to add to efforts from Khalil Kirwan-Meade (2) and Sam French.

A mid-table clash between Chingford Harriers and Inter Plaistow ended as a 1-1 draw, with Daniel Denton scoring for Harriers and Danny Vass netting for their opponents.

Forest Green retained their third-place standing after holding Old Barkabbeyans to a 0-0 draw which was also enough to ensure Barkabbeyans avoided the drop.

The Corinthian League Premier Division saw Warren United draw 2-2 with Flanders as the latter moved up to second on Sunday.

Barking enjoyed similar success in Division One, climbing to second with a 4-1 win against Dagenham United.

Barking and Dagenham Wanderers won by the same score over Velley Park, while Korona Redbridge beat Aldborough Hatch 1-0.

Division Two side Waltham Athletic were held to a 1-1 draw by Westferry Elite, and there was a heavy 8-2 defeat for London Fire Brigade against Park Tavern.

Upshire had to rely on a penalty shoot-out in the Premier Division Cup after being held to a 1-1 draw after extra-time by Lactico, winning 5-4 to progress.