PERRY Dunn scored an injury time winner to allow Hullbridge Sports to register a 1-0 triumph over Sporting Bengal United.

Dunn made the trip to Mile End Stadium looking to improve their Essex Senior League promotion chances.

Although Sports boss Darren Manning was pleased to see his side move to within one point of table-topping Stansted, he was less than impressed with Hullbridge’s performance.

“We were nowhere near our best,” said Manning.

“I was not too happy with us performance wise, but we needed to win.

“After the red card and stoppages in play, they tried to slow it down.

“But we battled until the end and Perry Dunn came in with a header.”

Gregory Frederick headed two chances wide of the target early on, while Nathan Scarborough and Jonus Fuadianitu also missed the target.

Scarborough then blasted over the crossbar after a defensive mix-up by the hosts.

Sporting Bengal United then cleared a Sports effort off the line as both sides went in at the break goalless.

The home side were reduced to 10 men after a poor challenge on Sports captain Matt Rose.

And Hullbridge took advantage as Dunn headed a throw-in home as the clash ticked into the first minute of injury time.

Meanwhile, Southend Manor boosted their survival hopes by registering a 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Leyton Athletic.

Manor pulled 11 points clear of the bottom two thanks to first half goals from Jacob Evident and Grant Frances.

The hosts got off to a flying start as Evident headed Charlie Barlow’s corner home inside the opening couple of minutes.

And Manor doubled their advantage moments later thanks to Frances’ long range effort finding the roof of the net.

Adam Peek’s side, who were without a win since the turn of the year, boasted a two-goal cushion within seven minutes of the clash getting underway.

Lewis Brown and Henry Mabassa came close to adding their names to the scoresheet before the break.

Both sides created opportunities after the interval and Manor passed up chances to put the game to bed.

But Manor’s early goals proved decisive and they sealed a valuable three points.