Croxtyx Ladies surrendered their place at the top of Division Two C on Saturday as they were beaten 3-1 by Blueharts in the battle of the league’s top two.

Crostyx now trail Blueharts by two points in the table after adopting an open, attacking style that perhaps played into the hands of the home side.

A promising start from the visitors earned Crostyx a number of short corners thanks to hard work by Laura Feldman and Sarah Belsham but none of these were taken.

Having failed to convert pressure into points, Crostyx were punished three times on the break as Blueharts counter-attacked with clinical speed and precision.

Crostyx did pull a goal back in the second half as Feldman diverted Donna Blockley’s strike into the net but Blueharts were resolute at the back and held on for the important win.

Crostyx men earned a morale-boosting 2-2 draw at home to Letchworth in Premier B.

The result means Crostyx remain tenth and bottom of the table but are now level on points with Bishop’s Stortford, who are one spot above them.

The men’s Seconds lost 3-1 away at high-flying Saffron Walden Seconds.

The home side took an early two-goal lead but determined tackling by Chris Matson and Michael Fisher, as well as a gutsy display from James Mackay, began to pull Crostyx back in to the game. Eventually Crostyx found an opening as Paul Murphy crossed and some excellent skill set Gavin Dixon free in the D.

Nixon unselfishly drew the keeper before playing in Nick Gillett, who slotted home.

The second half started brightly for Crostyx but any hopes of a comeback were ended when Chris Tilley, who had made several excellent saves in the match, made a mistake at the back, allowing Walden to restore their two-goal lead.

The Ladies seconds lost 2-0 at home to Wapping Fourths and the were beaten 3-0 at home by East London Fifths.

The men’s Thirds were more successful, beating Colchester Fourths 3-1 thanks to two goals from Harry Marshall and another from Mike Bond.