FC CLACTON gave their chances of avoiding relegation a huge boost today after winning 3-2 at home to Mildenhall.

The Seasiders had started the day third from bottom in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division and six points adrift of neighbours WIVENHOE TOWN.

However, while staying in the same position, they have trimmed the deficit to four points as the Dragons drew 0-0 at home to Whitton United.

Clacton were excellent value for their victory – their first at home since late-October, in Glenn Eldridge’s final game before being replaced by current boss David Coyle.

And all three of their goals were quality strikes, scored by James Dunkley, Billy Wales and Louie Newland.

At the top of the table, STANWAY ROVERS’ promotion hopes suffered a dent as they lost 2-1 at Kirkley and Pakefield.

The hosts had engineered a two-goal lead by half-time before Jemal Fox pulled one back for Angelo Harrop’ side.

BRANTHAM ATHLETIC’S amazing run continued with a 3-0 victory at basement boys Ely, thanks to goals from Brendan Heath, Ollie Mann and Adam Mills.

It was the Imps’ third straight win, extended their unbeaten run to six matches and means they have amassed an incredible 19 points from 24 since boss Paul Skingley’s appointment.

In division one, HALSTEAD TOWN drew 0-0 at King's Lynn Reserves while BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES drew 2-2 at high-flying Saffron Walden.