HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS stretched their unbeaten run to four games after a hard-earned 3-1 victory against neighbours WITHAM TOWN.

Jody Brown’s men went into the game in high spirits, buoyed by three straight clean sheets, and showed character to come from behind after Alex Anderson opened the scoring for Witham.

Reece Grant made it all-square on the hour-mark and Stefano Mallardo quicky put Swifts ahead.

Grant then made the points safe with his second in the latter stages.

It was an impressive win as in-form Witham went into the game on the back of four straight league and cup victories, including Wednesday’s 3-1 success at high-flying Bury Town.

Heybridge had made a new signing on the eve of the match, swooping for Chelmsford City midfielder Harry Morgan.

His arrival on loan followed the recent departure of striker Jack Barham to Tilbury and mounting injury worries, including long-term casualty Simon Glover.

"With Simon's injury and the decision to look at Jack Smith in a slightly different role, we were left short centrally," said Brown.

"To get Harry to the club is a huge positive and allows great flexibility in how we set up and how we play.

"He trained this week and his work ethic was excellent. I think he will settle in quite quickly."

Morgan made 37 appearances for Chelmsford last season but has found first-team opportunities hard to come by this year, following the change of manager and an influx of experienced National League players.

Elsewhere in the Ryman League, there were two important results involving sides at the top of the table.

Leaders MALDON AND TIPTREE crashed to a 3-0 defeat at play-off chasers Aveley.

Kevin Horlock’s men were unbeaten in eight matches – winning seven of them – prior to Saturday.

However, they had an uncharacteristically bad day at the office, following a hat-trick from Jeremiah Maja.

He scored twice in the first half and once in the second.

The result was great news for second-placed BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT, who held on to win 1-0 at play-off contenders Thurrock.

Their winner was an own goal by keeper Bobby Mason, six minutes before the break.

The results mean that Maldon stay top but Regent are now level on points with them, with both sides having 37.

Brightlingsea, who have an FA Trophy replay at Harlow Town on Tuesday night, are now unbeaten in 13 league and cup matches, winning 11.