Bryan double sinks Soham

Maldon maintained their eight-point lead with a 2-0 victory at Soham, despite having Jon Glowacki dismissed before half-time. The visitors were leading through Chris Bryan’s 12th-minute penalty and he also got the clincher with 14 minutes left.

Second-placed Grays, who have three games in hand, almost slipped up at Redbridge where home keeper Dean Neil was the man in the spotlight.

He saved an early Danny Bunce penalty and pulled off several excellent saves as Motormen fought hard to keep their opponents at bay. Even so, Grays missed a hatful of chances and it looked as if their night would end in frustration.

Then, as the game moved into added time, Neil lashed out after a wild challenge by Jeff Hammond and was promptly sent off. In the extra time added on for that incident Redbridge failed to clear a corner and Junior Baker’s overhead kick provided a 1-0 Grays victory.

Rob Carter’s 50th-minute strike was enough for Thamesmead to collect three points at Brentwood and move up to third place.

Aveley also climbed above Heybridge into fourth spot with a 2-0 victory at Witham. Junior Appiah opened the scoring on 20 minutes and Jack Stevenson sealed it late in the game. Witham stayed in sixth place, nine points short of the play-off places.

Romford took the points at Waltham Abbey with two unanswered goals. James Ishmail headed them in front ten minutes into the second half and a fierce Kurt Smith free-kick settled it in added time.

Tom Wraight scored after 74 minutes as Tilbury beat visitors Harlow 1-0, while Potters Bar and Chatham failed to manage a goal between them.