Walthamstow are now officially out of the Essex Senior League Senior Division title race after Hullbridge Sports’ win, despite thrashing St Margaretsbury 4-0 at home.

It looked like it wasn’t going to be their day early on when Dwade James hit the post from the penalty spot, but he made amends on the brink of half-time by looping a header over the keeper.

Kieran Bishop then doubled the advantage midway through the first half after latching on to a brilliant ball from Samrai Gebrai, and Nick Symons then produced a stunning third as he robbed the defender on the edge of the box and chipped the keeper via the underside of the crossbar.

Tage Kennedy added some gloss to the scoreline late on, cutting inside and rolling past the keeper to seal a 4-0 scoreline.

Hullbridge Sports’ win ended Stow’s title hopes as they comfortably beat West Essex 2-0 away from home.

After an even opening to the game in which West produced the first good opportunity, they fell behind on 27 minutes when a cross whipped in after a free-kick routine hit a defender and crossed the line for an own goal.

The hosts continued to hold their own against the league leaders, but the pressure finally told midway through the second period as a Yemi Adelani received a through-ball and clipped over the advancing keeper.

The win keeps West Essex in 11th while putting Sports two points clear at the top of the table.

Ilford came out on top in their mid-table battle with Stanway Rovers, winning 3-1.

Tyler Kemp gave Rovers the lead in the 17th minute but it lasted for all of three minutes as Alejandro Barber pulled his side level.

The two sides went into the break level and it stayed that way until the 67th minute when, from the penalty spot, Lamarr Douglas put Ilford ahead for the first time, and Callum Maltese gave them some breathing space eight minutes later when he fired in from a free-kick.

Finally, Redbridge continued their improved 2019 form after labouring to a 1-0 win against bottom side Leyton Athletic.

Daniel McCullock’s goal on 71 minutes moved the Motormen up to 11th in the table with a top-half finish still well within their sights.

Athletic, meanwhile, stay two points shy of Barkingside after their 8-1 hammering at Takeley.