BASILDON United and Bowers & Pitsea both claimed impressive victories to continue their Essex Senior League title push.
The Bees were 3-2 winners at fourth-placed Ilford to extend their lead at the top to five points with just two matches remaining.
A brace from Lindisipho Mytanda plus a late winner for Callum Leahy handed Craig Gillam’s men the points.
Mytanda opened his account after just 10 minutes, after good work from league top scorer Brad Warner.
Ilford levelled before the hosts took the lead midway through the second period.
But a volley from Mytanda saw the match level at 2-2 and, seconds later, Bees had the advantage. A lobbed finish from Leahy won the match and prompted celebrations from the visitors.
Bowers were 3-1 winners against Enfield 1893 and were comfortable throughout as they kept up the heat on the leaders.
Vinny Durrant opened the scoring before strikes from Chid Onokwai and Charlie Portway put Rob Small’s team 3-0 up. Enfield pulled a goal back but Bowers are now in a very strong position to win promotion.
Bowers need to finish above FC Romania to win promotion to Ryman One North, and they now sit a point adrift of them with three games in hand and five remaining in total.
Bowers return to action at the Len Salmon Stadium against Sporting Bengal United tonight, with Basildon travelling to Greenhouse Sports.
Hullbridge Sports host Burnham Ramblers after their, and Southend Manor’s, matches were postponed on Saturday because of waterlogged pitches.
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