GREAT Wakering Rovers scored a late penalty to get the better of promotion rivals Takeley and climb to within three points of the Essex Senior League summit.

Substitute Neil Richmond scored a penalty with six minutes remaining to hand Iain O’Connell’s team the points - their 13th win in 14 league games.

Having crushed leaders Redbridge 7-2 last Tuesday, Rovers wanted more of the same against fifth-placed Takeley.

And it was an even contest throughout, with Richmond’s late intervention the key.

The win lifts Rovers above Basildon United in the table, after their match against Redbridge fell afoul of the weather.

Hullbridge Sports’ match was also postponed although Southend Manor did picked up three points.

Manor beat Sporting Bengal United 3-2 on the road, with the goals coming from Rhys Fatt, Alf Lindfield and goalkeeper Klinton Makayabo.

The stopper scored direct from a goal-kick to secure all three points.