GREAT Wakering Rovers missed out on the opportunity to reclaim top spot in the Essex Senior League after being held to a 1-1 draw at Southend Manor.

Manor took the lead 10 minutes into the second half and it looked as though Adam Peek’s side were going to collect all three points.

But Wakering were to claim a share of the spoils thanks to a fine strike from Ricky Evans in the second minute of stoppage time.

As a result, Iain O’Connell’s side remain two points adrift of table-topping FC Romania, while Manor are up to 12th place in the standings.

Fellow promotion chasers Basildon United were 4-1 winners at Wadham Lodge.

James Peagram capitalised on a defensive slip to tap home from close range inside three minutes, while Oli Spooner and Marcus Bowers extended Bees’ advantage before the break.

Jack Adlington added a fourth goal for the visitors just two minutes after coming off the bench.

But Marc Harrison’s charges could not keep their clean sheet intact as Daniel Francis’ free-kick was deflected home with 13 minutes to play.

Hullbridge Sports improved their chances of playing Essex Senior League football next term as they recorded a 4-0 win over Sporting Bengal United.

Adebola Sotoyinbo, Luke Hornsley and Jimmy Cox goals handed Darren Manning’s side a comfortable lead at the interval.

Hornsley completed his brace to round off the victory and Sports moved up to 17th place.