ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE PREVIEW: Basildon United are back on top of the Essex Senior League after a 3-2 win at Waltham Forest in the week.

The Bees had Lindisipho Mytanda, Shomari Barnwell and Brad Warner to thank for the goals on Wednesday night, which coincided with FC Romania’s surprising 1-0 defeat at Greenhouse Sports to see them move back on top of the pile.

Basildon head to fourth-placed Ilford this weekend in what is likely to be one of their toughest tests with just three league games remaining.

Three wins would see Basildon finish the season with 96 points, although that may not be enough for them to win the division come the end of the month.

Bowers & Pitsea host Enfield 1893 after a fine recent run of form looking to pip their borough rivals to the title, although they only need a second-placed finish to secure promotion to the Ryman One North.

Rob Small’s men did play last night against Takeley (after the Echo went to press) and a win would have lifted them to within six points of top spot with three games in hand on Basildon.

Bowers drew 3-3 with Clapton on Tuesday but it was a positive result in what was expected to be their toughest challenge remaining this campaign.

Hullbridge Sports host Tower Hamlets at Lower Road hoping to end a rotten run of form that has seen them take just two points from the last 15 and exit the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy.

Sports can still secure a top half finish although will need to pick up the points against 16th-placed Hamlets.

Southend Manor have had a fortnight off and head to a buoyant Greenhouse Sports, after they knocked Romania off top spot in the week.

Manor sit 17th but can still climb a number of places in the closing weeks, with the bottom half of the table very congested.