In the final round of matches before the Christmas break in the Braintree and North Essex Sunday League, three matches were lost to the frosty conditions and one was abandoned due to a serious injury.
Only one Premier Division fixture took place with SC Crittall moving a point behind second placed Bocking and Vipers Social in third after a 6-2 away win against Essex Cricketers. Bradley Hickman scored a hat-trick with Scott Lodge, Graham Luxford and James Cordery also on target. Dean Cross and an own goal were on target for Cricketers.
In Divison One Panfield Bell Rovers had the chance to go top of the table with a win against Essex Police but they lost 3-2 at home. Sam Barden and Jack Dean scored for the home side while Matt Stacey, Immanuel Lawrence and Gavin Lawes were on target for Essex Police.
Cressing won 3-1 away at Frontline. Ross McClaren, Perry Hooker and Charlie Spooner netted for Cressing.
Bocking Sports won 5-3 away against Horse & Groom. Rob Butcher scored twice with further goals from Will Jenner, Rick McDonald, and Joe Butcher. Jack Gilchrist scored a hat-trick for the hosts.
In Division Two Braintree Sporting moved up a place to third after a 4-0 win away against CFC Shalford Reserves. Jack Skinner, Rob Burdge and Alex Rudgley with two scored for the visitors.
Cressing Yardley United are up to fourth after a 2-0 win at home against Titan United. Lewis Dyson and Steve Crosdale scoring for the hosts.
Onley Arm’s game at home against Notley was abandoned due to a serious injury to one of the visitors players.
Sporting 77 Reserves 100% record in Division Three was ended as they drew 1-1 at home against Witham Phoenix. Phoenix started the game well and took the lead after 15 minutes when Ryan Griffiths netted. The league leaders didnt start playing until the second half and they equalised after 55 minutes thanks to Martin Brighton’s strike, they piled on the pressure in the last 35 minutes and missed several glorious chances to win the match with two chances cleared off the line but they were unable to find a winner and had to settle for a point.
CFC Shalford ‘A’ won 8-0 at home against Great Bardfield to cement second place in the table. Phil Goodwin scored four and one a piece for Jamie Hambleton, Jon Halls, Adam Archer and Gavin Bensley.
Bell United moved up to third in the table as they won 3-1 away against Frontline Reserves. Chris Liddard, Tom Spooner and Adam Parker netting the goals. Rob Chapman scored the only goal for Frontline.
Witham Galacticos won 5-1 at home against New Street Saints. Jamie Lawes scored twice, one a thirty yard half volley and Adam Clark scored a fine hat-trick…one with his left foot, one with his right foot and a header to complete the scoring. Dean Passfield scored the consolation for Saints.