WIVENHOE TOWN started the weekend in style with a crucial Thurlow Nunn League victory.

The Dragons notched a 1-0 win against Hadleigh United, at the GMP Plant Hire Stadium on Friday night.

The stakes were high, with both sides in the bottom half-dozen sides at the foot of the premier division table.

But Lewis Haughton’s second-half strike – finishing coolly after getting behind the visitors’ defence – proved all-important for the Dragons.

It was only their second win in a dozen games so far and their first clean sheet of the season.

Wivenhoe are third from bottom in the table but will hope to put more points on the board when they entertain Ipswich Wanderers on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, there was another important game on Friday night as in-form BRANTHAM ATHLETIC made it six straight wins, defeating Ipswich Wanderers 1-0.

Ben Newson tapped home their winner after Craig Hughes’ corner was flicked on by Michael Murray.

Brantham are fourth in the table while COGGESHALL TOWN are third, following a 1-1 draw at Kirkley and Pakefield.

The hosts went ahead early in the second half but an own goal secured a share of the spoils for the Seedgrowers.

STANWAY ROVERS also pocketed a point from their 1-1 draw at Haverhill Rovers.

Toby Blanche put them ahead but the hosts were on level terms before the break.

Kem Izzet’s side have a home date with Saffron Walden Town on Tuesday.

FC CLACTON are now unbeaten in six league games after beating basement boys Fakenham Town 1-0, at the Rush Green Bowl.

Terry Rymer notched their all-important winner, early in the second half.

Kevin Coyle had a free-kick and then a follow-up shot blocked but the ball deflected to striker Rymer, who coolly tucked his shot inside the right-hand post.

Clacton go to Coggeshall on Friday.

In division one, there was a county derby at BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES as they welcomed HOLLAND FC.

And it was the hosts who were left celebrating after a 2-1 victory.

Holland also had two players sent off, following red cards for Tom Holdstock and Chris Ribchester.

Jimmy Shuttlewood scored the consolation goal for Ray Turner and Rob Batten’s side.

HALSTEAD TOWN lost 1-0 at home to Debenham LC, with the only goal coming in the 89th minute.

Adam Hampson and Jordan Pavett both saw red for the Humbugs.

LITTLE OAKLEY were without a fixture on Saturday but return to action at home to Cornard United on Tuesday.