Saturday's Ryman North action review

Only three games went ahead in the Ryman League's rain-hit Division One North on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Harlow Town took advantage of their 3G pitch to get their match against Great Wakering Rovers on and were rewarded with a 3-1 win and top spot after Needham Market`s match at Tilbury was one of nine casualties to the wet weather.

Robbie Martin gave the Hawks an early ninth minute lead. But, thanks mainly to Great Wakering keeper Adam Seal, it wasn't until the 62nd minute that the home side were able to double their advantage through Fabion Simms.

Jay Nash briefly gave Rovers hope when he reduced the deficit with 12 minutes to go but new signing Junior Dadson came off the bench to notch Harlow`s third three minutes later and take them top.

Fifth-placed Aveley enjoyed their trip over the bridge to Chatham Town, registering a 5-0 success at the Sports Ground.

Billy Holland scored the only goal of the first half after 16 minutes. But the Millers took control of the second period, doubling their lead through Junior Baker eight minutes after the break and then adding further goals from Marcus Elliott with a brace in the 62nd and 75th minutes, sandwiched by one from Petrit Elbi on 70 minutes
- all of which was a rather harsh reward for the Chats groundstaff who managed to get the match on.

The only other game to survive was at Dereham Town where fellow play-off hopefuls Thurrock were the visitors.

The Deres have games in hand on most around them, including Aveley, and moved to within four points of the Millers, courtesy of a 2-1 success with ten-men.

Michael Clunan gave the home side the lead from the spot right on the stroke of half-time. Lamar Reynolds equalised for Mark Stimson`s side on the hour-mark, but Ryan Hawkins restored the Deres` lead with nine minutes to go.