Leaders Gas are humbled by much-improved Social

THERE was a major shock in the Essex and Suffolk Border League when premier division leaders Gas Recreation were humbled by much-improved Kelvedon Social, in front of a sizeable crowd at Bromley Road.

The visitors are fast becoming a bogey side for the Colchester team, having been held to a draw in the corresponding fixture last season.

Kelvedon prevailed 2-1 thanks to two first-half goals from Ben Turner.

The visitors went ahead after 15 minutes when Turner cut in from the flank and bent a shot inside the far post.

Five minutes later it was 2-0, following a Peter Whitewell free-kick that culminated in Turner hooking home.

The second half was all Gas but although they pulled one back through Harry Hewes, the visitors hung on for a famous win that could yet derail another championship success for the holders.

Alresford Colne Rangers gained vital points, defeating an improving Brantham Athletic Reserves 2-0 at the Leisure Centre with both goals from Ryan Lewis.

Alresford have now moved into second place ahead of Tiptree Heath, whose match was postponed, and are on 55 points jointly with Tiptree.

However, both sides trail Gas by three points in what promises to be an exciting finale.

There was a goal-feast at the Memorial Ground where Little Oakley Reserves hosted Wormingford Wanderers and both sides shared eight goals.

Oakley held a 3-2 interval lead at the break but the visitors stormed back to gain a point.

The hosts' scorers were a brace for Mathew Green and one each from Mark Palmer and Gary Stanford, while Wanderers' goals were distributed between Ben Bracey, Marc Brown and Luke Whybrow.

In the first division, Tiptree Engaine have taken a one-point lead over Flitch United, who were without a game.

The 1-0 victory at West Bergholt Reserves suggests the title race will go to the last matches with Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves only three points behind the leaders, following a 5-0 trouncing of Colne Athletic.

The three leading contenders have each played 22 games.

Little Oakley A gained a vital point against visiting Tiptree Jobserve in their bid to avoid the drop.

Leading 2-0 at half-time, they finally settled on sharing four goals.

The home scorers were Liam Daly and Daniel Longley, while Gordon Wilson and substitute Nelson Taylor replied.

In the second division, FC Clacton Reserves consolidated their second place with a comprehensive win over Harwich Rangers, winning 6-1 with goals from Sean Hillier, Bradley Pile, substitute Marcus Paul and a hat-trick from Samuel Thompson.

In division three, second-place Dedham Old Boys Reserves hosted and defeated the divisional title winners Gosfield United 2-0 at The Drift.

Third-place Great Bentley Reserves beat Tiptree Heath Reserves 7-0 to remain in contention.

In the Tommy Thompson Cup, Cavendish won through against Harwich and Parkeston Reserves at the Royal Oak.

They triumphed 4-1 with the goals shared between Chris Brewster and James Wyatt, with Ross Puril getting the consolation for Harwich.

Next Saturday it’s quarter-finals day in the Knockout Cup, with the potential of two giant-killing acts.

AFC Sudbury A host premier division Hedinghams United under lights on Friday evening and Cressing take on Lawford Lads.

Elsewhere, Gas Recreation are at home to Alresford Colne Rangers in the match of the day while Wormingford Wanderers entertain Brantham Athletic Reserves.

Results: Tommy Thompson Cup: Harwich & Parkeston Res 1 Cavendish 4.

Premier division: Brantham Athletic Res 0 Alresford Colne Rangers 2, Gas Recreation 1 Kelvedon Social 2, Hedinghams United 0 Hatfield Peverel 2, Little Oakley Res 4 Wormingford Wanderers 4.

First division: Alresford Colne Rangers Res 5 Colne Athletic 0, Little Oakley A 2 Tiptree Jobserve 2, West Bergholt Res 0 Tiptree Engaine 1.

Second division: Boxted Lodgers Res 0 Stanway Pegasus 5, FC Clacton Res 6 Harwich Rangers 1, Lawford Lads Res 0 Rowhedge 1.

Third division: Barnston Res 2 Tavern 4, Bradfield Rovers 0 Tiptree Jobserve A 10, Dedham Old Boys Res 2 Gosfield United 0, Great Bentley Res 7 Tiptree Heath Res 0.