SOUTHEND Manor got the better of Clapton to continue their excellent recent form in the Essex Senior League.

Sam Short got the goal that decided the match. It was a well worked strike and put the away side ahead in front of a good crowd at Clapton.

And it delighted manager Stuart Marshall.

“I can’t ask any more of the lads,” he said. “They put their bodies on the line and I can say they left nothing out there. The togetherness is a pleasure to watch.”

Ashley Pibworth continued his scoring run as Hullbridge Sports beat West Essex 2-0.

Sports were looking for a much-needed victory as they looked to return to winning ways in the league.

They had an early let off after some poor defending required goalkeeper Charley Aldis into action.

Player/manager Rob Hodgson hit the bar but three minutes later they had the lead as Charlie Little’s centre found the head of Pibworth who scored.

Harry Skinner hit the bar as the hunt for the second goal went on but it looked as though West Essex had levelled the scores with just minutes to go, only for the flag to deny the hosts.

Hodgson got a late second for the visitors.

Basildon were 3-1 winners against Sporting Bengal United.

The Bees were struggling to break down a resilient Sporting Bengal, despite their loftier league position.

But goals from Lee Delf, Ayoola Motentel and Yaw Danso were enough in the end.