BASILDON United and Southend Manor shared the points in an evenly-contested Essex Senior League battle.

Two goals, coming just minutes apart made it 1-1, as Manor lost more ground on the top two.

The Bees had the best early chance. Jack Adlington’s free-kick looked destined for the corner but Southend Manor goalkeeper Lewis Donn saved to keep it goalless.

Nathan Dewberry put the visitors ahead with a powerful finish, but seconds later the game was level, as Jake Brocklebank's excellent free-kick gave Liam Pitts no chance.

Hullbridge Sports lost a seven-goal thriller against West Essex, as a poor defensive showing cost them.

Sports fell behind after seven minutes, with an error punished by the away side.

But on-form Jimmy Cox pulled Hullbridge level five minutes later with a trademark free-kick.

West Essex restored their lead on 16 minutes as Sports again showed their defensive frailties.

The away side stretched their lead after the break only for a Cox penalty and Harry Skinner to draw Sports level.

But they conceded a minute from time to lose the match.