by JOHN CHUBB

@JohnCphoenixfm

Hornchurch kept themselves in second place in the Isthmian Premier League and are now only a point behind leaders Folkestone Invicta, as they brushed aside Bishops Stortford at Bridge Avenue.

Matt Johnson and Chris Dickson netted two goals each to give Mark Stimson’s side a 4-0 victory.

Meanwhile East Thurrock United dropped one place to fifth after drawing 1-1 away to Cray Wanderers.

Andy Pugh put Rocks in front at the beginning of the second half before Cray’s Tom Murphy levelled with 15 minutes remaining.

And Bowers & Pitsea slipped to 14th spot after losing 1-0 at struggling Leatherhead, who picked up their first win of the season thanks to Ibrahim Olutade’s 13th minute goal.

With many clubs involved in FA Trophy action there was only one game in the North Division and one in the South Central Division, both of which featured Essex sides.

In the North Basildon United’s struggles on the road continued as they lost 3-0 at AFC Sudbury.

The Bees have now lost all four of their away matches in the league  so far this season and are in 18th position.

The scores were level at half-time, but three minutes after the break Basildon had Joe Turpin sent off and this proved to be a game-changer.

Callum Harrison converted the resultant penalty before Baris Altintop and Reece Harris completed the scoring for Sudbury.

In the South Central Waltham Abbey also had an unhappy afternoon, as they were defeated 3-0 at home by high-flying Tooting & Mitcham United.

Danny Bassett gave the visitors the lead four minutes before the break, which was doubled by David Castanho on 67 minutes.

Bassett then got his second from the penalty spot four minutes from time to take Tooting up to second place.

There was also Velocity Trophy action as Aveley took on tenants Grays Athletic in Group Two.

And the Millers triumphed  2-1, courtesy of two late Alex Akrofi goals after Mitchel Hahn had given Grays a first half lead.