HULLBRIDGE Sports were 3-1 winners against Clapton as they picked up a worthy three points.

Sports were looking to continue to set the pace towards the top of the standings, and they started well.

It was a combination of the management duo that brought the opening goal. With 10 minutes on the clock, assistant manager Aaron Hunwicks sent a free-kick in and boss Rob Hodgson rose highest to flick into the net.

Sports doubled their lead 15 minutes later and it was another set-piece. Hodgson was again involved as he headed Joe Turpin’s delivery into the path of Ashley Pibworth and he powered home.

Yvan Kombi made it 3-0 before the break and that was how it stayed until one goal was pulled back by the willing visitors.

But Sports deserved the points come full-time.

Southend Manor’s unbeaten run was brought to an abrupt end against Barkingside, as they were walloped 4-0.

Manor had been six without defeat before the match but that was as good as it was to get.

Basildon United were 2-1 winners at Stansted, as a strong second-half performance saw the visitors pick up all three points.

Nathan Dewberry had put the away side ahead from a narrow angle and the same man doubled the lead with an acrobatic effort 15 minutes later.

Jack Isherwood pulled one back in emphatic fashion but the Bees held on.