BASILDON United are mathematically safe after recording a 2-1 win at Soham Town Rangers.

Goals from Callum Taylor and Kurt Smith put the Bees on course for all three points at Julius Martin Lane.

Although Lloyd Groves halved the deficit, Basildon came out on top and boss John Sussex is looking forward to another season of Isthmian North football.

"I was very, very happy," said Sussex.

"Getting an important 2-1 win was great. Soham are a very physical side and have some big players.

"Rob Hodgson was absolutely fantastic at centre-back. He was ably supported by the likes of Turps (Joe Turpin) in there.

"It was a great defensive performance but when we did get the ball we put it on the floor and played some really attractive stuff.

"We carved them open quite a lot of times so I was really pleased and it was great for Kurt Smith to get his first goal for the club."

Basildon went into the clash needing a point to ensure safety and Taylor put the Bees in the driving seat by breaking the deadlock inside 20 minutes.

Smith doubled the visitors' advantage soon before the hour mark and, although Groves gave Soham hope with 11 minutes remaining, Basildon were in celebratory mood at the final whistle.