GREAT Wakering Rovers are on the cusp of promotion from the Essex Senior League after defeating Clapton 3-2 this afternoon.

Rovers fell behind midway through the half as they looked for three points that would edge them even closer to the league crown.

But 60 seconds later it was all square. Billy Johnson curled a terrific strike into the corner of the net to level matters and as the half-time whistle beckoned it was 2-1.

Neil Richmond put Great Wakering ahead and Johnson added another. While Clapton got another goal back it wasn’t enough and Rovers are now a victory away from promotion.

Basildon United are favourites to finish as runners-up after Redbridge’s latest slip-up.

The Bees beat Woodford Town 3-0 thanks to three first half goals.

Basildon romped into a first half lead and were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes.

George Whitby and Jack Adlington put Marc Harrison’s men in charge and the latter was to make it 3-0 with the final kick of the first half.

And that was how it stayed come the final whistle.

Hullbridge Sports were shocked by already relegated Hackney Wick as their bid for league safety goes on.

Sports needed a point to assure themselves of a league place next season but they found it hard going against Hackney Wick in the first 45 minutes.

Quick-fire goals either side of the hour put Hackney Wick 2-0 ahead although Luke Hornsley was to pull one back with 10 minutes remaining.

But any hopes of a comeback were quickly quelled as Hackney Wick netted a third.

Southend Manor bounced back from a rotten first half to claim a memorable 4-3 win against Sawbridgeworth Town.

Manor looked dead and buried after 45 minutes but they stormed back into contention.

Lee Delf, Lewis Sparrow, Brennon Nolan and Alfie Lindfield got the goals to put Manor on the brink of safety.