Saturday's Ryman North action review

With half of Ryman North off thanks to Saturday's FA Cup Second Qualifying Round action, VCD Athletic took full advantage to stretch their lead at the top to a massive 14 points.

The Vickers were tested by fourth placed Maldon & Tiptree who took the lead and threatened a comeback before eventually losing out in a 3-2 win for the leaders.

Bradley Hunter put the Blues ahead after 21 minutes before Sherwin Stanley scored the first of his hat-trick of goals on 36 minutes. He added the others in a four minute spell either side of the hour mark. Jacob Cleaver, on a three-month loan from Conference South side Concord Rangers, pulled one back for the visitors with seven minutes to go.

Aveley are sixth after a second half home demolition of Barkingside that saw them run out 5-0 winners.

Petrit Elbi hit the first of their five goals from the penalty spot just before the hour mark. Isa Hussein doubled their advantage eleven minutes from time and the visiting defence then leaked three goals in the final minutes, Junior Appiah on 85, Elbri with his second two minutes later and Rashid Kamara in the final minute putting the gloss on the scoreline.

Seventh-placed Waltham Abbey missed out on the chance to climb the table but went down fighting in a 3-2 reverse at Erith & Belvedere.

James Peagram put the visitors ahead on 24 minutes and scored again two minutes before the break but the Deres came out on top at Park View Road with the help of an own goal from Jack Daveney after half an hour and strikes from Laurence Collins on 49 minutes and Mo Conteh six minutes after that.

Second from bottom Ware also missed out on the chance to close the gap on the sides above them who were playing in the Cup after their 3-2 defeat at Redbridge.

Aaron Cato and Tony Martin scored in quick succession on 41 and 43 minutes to give the visitors real hope of taking maximum points but the Motormen mounted a second half comeback with goals from Daniel Charge on 56 minutes, Abs Thompson after 67 and charge again with a last minute winner.

Tom Richardson earned Romford a 1-0 home win over Soham Town Rangers with a ninth minute strike while Brentwood Town were the big winners in the battle at the bottom after their 3-1 success at home to Cheshunt.

Josh Cooper had put the Ambers ahead after seven minutes but a brace from Dan Subuola on 58 and 65 minutes turned things around. James Love sealed it with their third seven minutes from time.