OLD Southendian took another step in the right direction in their promotion bid after a narrow 1-0 win against West Herts on Saturday.

The first team edged out the Watford side to secure their third clean sheet in four matches and their fifth win in a row The home team's winner came early in the first-half from a moment of individual brilliance.

Home favourite Alfie Hibbard twisted and turned past three defenders at the top of the circle before slotting the ball away into the corner for his first goal of the season.

But West Herts restricted the Old Boys to just two short corners all match, with the second tipped onto the post by an excellent save from the goalkeeper in the second-half.

As the clock ticked on, the home team played calmly to close out the match, though they were indebted to one fine reflex save from goalkeeper Nick Richards with little more than five minutes remaining.

Next up is a trip to the Olympic hockey stadium for a huge clash with second-placed Wapping, the only other undefeated team in the East Leagues this season.

Old Southendian Ladies first XI recorded their finest win in several seasons with a comprehensive 4-1 win over County Wanderers.

Goals have been hard to come by for the Old Girls this season, so it was came as quite a surprise when they raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening eight minutes.

Both goals were well worked team goals, with the ball worked around the circle before neat finishes beyond the goalkeeper.

County Wanderers pulled a goal back with a well taken breakaway effort, but the home team scored again shortly after to move into a 3-1 lead.

The second-half saw the Old Girls grow in ascendancy and confidence, and the pressure eventually told as Amy Elvidge scored an excellent solo effort after cutting in from the right wing to secure a 4-1 win.