by JOHN CAMPANY

ALRESFORD Colne Rangers have made great strides this season - but both their premier and division one sides suffered shock defeats in the Essex and Suffolk Border League.

In the Essex Premier Cup, of less surprise were third-round defeats for Little Oakley Reserves and Kelvedon Social against strong Essex Olympian League opposition.

It was the 'old guard' on parade in the premier division as both Gas Recreation and West Bergholt asserted themselves, while there was no let-up for Tiptree Heath, who maintained their run in top spot.

The leaders scored nine without reply at home to luckless Barnston, with goals from Charlie Green (three), a brace from Harry Hazell and Cameron Ward and one each for Joe Chester and Ryan Scilltoe.

West Bergholt were in fine form at the Lorkin Daniel Field with a 5-0 drubbing of inconsistent White Notley.

Their scorers were Daniel Keeble (two), Connor Davison, Jonny Murrells and Kieran Webb.

Meanwhile, Gas Recreation's travels down the A12 proved fruitful with an easy 5-1 win at Hatfield Peverel.

There were goals for John Bulmer (two), Harry Willoughby and Ryan Dale.

In the Premier Cup, Oakley’s interest ceased at the hands of holders Catholic United, 4-0, while Kelvedon Social found visiting Rayleigh Town too good and were beaten 3-1.

Alresford were beaten for the second time at Ford Lane when Dedham Old Boys inflicted a solitary goal defeat and therefore slipped to fourth in the table.

However, they will hopefully restore normal service for their Essex Premier Cup match on Saturday, when they entertain Barking under-23s.

Keenan Oboy scored the only goal.

There was no respite for basement side Brantham Athletic Reserves, who lost 3-0 at Earls Colne.

Callum Carter, Tom Glassington and Ryan Luckman were on target.

The remaining premier game saw the points shared in a 2-2 draw between Lawford Lads and Hedinghams United.

Adam Thompson hit two for Lawford while Scott Ervine and Alec Pyman were the visitors' scorers.

In the first division, Flitch United made a significant move into fourth place, beating top-of-the-table Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves 5-2.

Second-place Tiptree Engaine were without a game and that enabled Cressing United to take closer order with a 5-3 win over Little Oakley A.

Gas Recreation Reserves eased their relegation fears by beating basement side Brantham Athletic A 4-0.

The two remaining matches saw Tiptree Jobserve beat Boxted Lodgers 1-0 and Bell Vue Social share six goals with West Bergholt Reserves.

In division two, Stanway Pegasus' relentless march to the title continued, albeit following a more modest winning margin of 3-0 at Wormingford Wanderers Reserves.

Meanwhile, Tollesbury’s prolific scoring continued at Boxed Lodgers Reserves where they won 9-0 to leapfrog AFC Sudbury, who were surprisingly beaten 3-2 at home to Cavendish.

Results: Essex Premier Cup - third round: Kelvedon Social 1 Rayleigh Town 3, Little Oakley Res 0 Catholic United 4.

Premier division: Alresford Colne Rangers 0 Dedham Old Boys 1, Earls Colne 3 Brantham Athletic Res 0, Hatfield Peverel 1 Gas Recreation 5, Lawford Lads 2 Hedinghams United 2, Tiptree Heath 9 Barnston 0, West Bergholt 5 White Notley 0.

Division one: Bell Vue Social 3 West Bergholt Res 3, Cressing United 5 Little Oakley A 3, Gas Recreation Res 4 Brantham Athletic A 0, Flitch United 5 Alresford Colne Rangers Res 2, Tiptree Jobserve 1 Boxted Lodgers 0.

Division two: AFC Sudbury A 2 Cavendish 3, Boxted Lodgers Res 0 Tollesbury 9, FC Clacton Res 2 Hatfield Peverel Res 1, Harwich Rangers 3 Rowhedge 1, Mersea Island 1 Long Melford Res 4, Wormingford Wanderers Res 0 Stanway Pegasus 3.

Division three: Barnston Res 3 Tiptree Jobserve A 2, Bradfield Rovers 1 Tiptree Engaine Res 2, Great Bentley Res 7 Oyster 0, Hedinghams United 6 Dedham Old Boys Res 2, Shrub End United 6 Tiptee Heath Res 2, Tavern 0 Gosfield United 3.