BASILDON United returned to winning ways as they edged out Enfield 1893 2-1 in the Essex Senior League.

Basildon were looking to respond after a 4-0 defeat in the week and they were much improved against Enfield.

However, a combination of good goalkeeping and poor finishing cost the Bees until the 42nd minute, when Nathan Dewberry finished well into the bottom corner.

The lead was doubled in the final eight minutes when Ayoola Odedoyin powered in.

Enfield got one back but it was too late.

Southend Manor kept up the pace near the summit with a narrow 1-0 win at Wadham Lodge.

Jake Brocklebank headed home Aundre Spencer’s corner to score the only goal of the game.

And assistant manager Jack Tebbutt was pleased with another three points.

“I am pleased with the points but we didn’t show our quality which was frustrating,” he said. “Our game management needs to be better if we want to maintain our consistency.”

Hullbridge Sports secured an admirable 2-2 draw with Barkingside, although it could have been so much better.

Hullbridge went toe-to-toe with their opponents until they took the lead on the stroke of half time.

Jacub Berkowicz scored in first half injury-time but Sports turned the score line on its head, with Jimmy Cox and Harry Skinner scoring excellent goals.

But Side equalised with 15 minutes to go as the points were shared.