Braces from hot-shots James Hallet and James Peagram helped Waltham Abbey to a resounding 4-1 win over rivals Redbridge on Saturday in the Isthmian Division One North.

The win lifts Paul Wickenden’s side into 12th position, the very definition of mid-table; 13 points above the relegation zone and 14 beneath the play-off places with 16 fixtures left to play.

Conversely, defeat leaves the Motormen in 20th position, just two places and six points above the drop zone, where rivals Barkingside boast three games in hand at the head of the pack battling for survival.

Peagram, who now has eight goals for the season, struck twice in the space of as many minutes after a quarter of an hour to take the game away from Dave Ross’ side after an even opening to the game.

Just three minutes after the restart the game was effectively over as a contest as Hallett got in on the act.

Chinedu McKenzie did pull one back for the visitors six minutes later but Redbridge were unable to seriously trouble the Abbotts.

The points were sealed in injury time when Hallett snatched his second of the night and 12th of a fruitful season.

On Tuesday, Redbridge were knocked out of the Essex Senior Cup at the quarter-final stage, losing 3-0 at home to Hornchurch.

Hornchurch had the first chance of note; Nnamdi Nwachukwu struck the post inside the opening 60 seconds.

Martin Tuohy was next to try his luck some time later, chipping Redbridge goalkeeper Jack Avery but sending his effort wide of the goal.

Just before half time the Urchins made their superiority pay as Junior Luke manufactured enough space to fire beyond Avery and into the bottom corner.

Seven minutes after the restart Hornchurch put the tie to bed when Nwachukwu won a penalty following a foul by Hulusi Mustafa.

Martin Tuohy converted the subsequent penalty to double the visitors’ advantage.

Nwachukwu then got his goal when he drilled home the third from 25 yards to complete a miserable night for the Motormen.

Waltham Abbey saw their home league fixture with Dereham Town on Tuesday lost to the weather. Wickenden’s side return to action when they travel to Brentwood Town.

Meanwhile, Redbridge make the trip to Maldon and Tiptree on Saturday.

In the Essex Senior League, Waltham Forest travelled to Tower Hamlets last night (Wednesday) looking to close the gap on the top two. The Stags face Barking FC on Saturday.