HALSTEAD Town placed a sizeable dent in the Thurlow Nunn League division one promotion hopes of Swaffham Town as the Humbugs beat their high-flying visitors 2-1 at the Milbank Stadium.

Only Whitton United had scored more goals this year in the league than fourth-placed Swaffham, who arrived with 107 to their name, but they were only able to find the target once against Halstead and that proved to be just a consolation strike.

The hosts took the lead when captain Lewis Cunliffe headed home from a Jamie Baker free-kick in the first half and they held on to that until the break.

Swaffham did hit the bar after the break, but Halstead went further ahead when a back pass forced a hurried clearance from visiting keeper Kevin Cross and the ball cannoned off Chris Harris and into the back of the net for a two-goal lead.

It gave Halstead breathing space, which was what they needed as Swaffham's Alan Woodcock turned the ball into the home net from a late corner, but they were unable to find an equaliser.

The result at the Milbank Stadium was good news for BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES after their 1-0 defeat by division one leaders Woodbridge Town.

The Young Irons, who stayed just a point behind Swaffham despite their loss, battled superbly against a side who look favourites for the title this year and felt disappointed not to hold out for a point.

They had chances to go ahead during the game, especially when Jordan Sargent saw two efforts cleared off the line, but Woodbridge hit the woodwork twice themselves and won it with a Mark Ray goal in the 84th minute.

Elsewhere in division one, HOLLAND FC were beaten 1-0 at Team Bury, while LITTLE OAKLEY had a tough day as they lost 7-0 at Kings Lynn Town Reserves.

In the premier division, FC CLACTON had a good away day when they travelled to Haverhill Rovers.

Goals from Jake Plane and Kevin Coyle, added to a clean sheet, ensured the Seasiders headed home with a 2-0 win and a three-point haul.

STANWAY ROVERS also gained something from their trip to Great Yarmouth Town, but it was just a point for Kem Izzet's side as they were held to a 0-0 stalemate by their hosts.

Meanwhile, there was joy on home turf for BRANTHAM ATHLETIC as they won 2-1 against visiting Saffron Walden Town.

After the two sides were locked together at 0-0 at half-time, the Imps stretched clear when, first, Elliott Johnson fired in from long range and then Edward Nobbs doubled the lead from the penalty spot after a handball.

There was also a penalty awarded to Saffron Walden late on for a handball offence, but, although Charlie Portway fired it home, Brantham held on to take the points.

On Friday night, COGGESHALL TOWN gave their title hopes another lift as the second-placed Seedgrowers kept the pressure on leaders Felixstowe and Walton with a 1-0 win at Hadleigh United.

Nnamdi Nwachuku scored the late winner for Coggeshall.