STANWAY ROVERS roared back to winning ways thanks to a fantastic 3-0 victory at Newmarket Town.

Angelo Harrop’s promotion-chasing Thurlow Nunn League premier division side had won eight in a row prior to last week’s 2-2 draw at home to the Jockeys.

On Saturday, however, they had no such problems against the same opposition, in the return match in Suffolk.

Joss Neale netted twice before the break to put them firmly in control.

Top-scorer Jamie Shaw then scored again – his 19th of the season – to complete a comfortable victory for the third-placed Hawthorns side.

The game was held up for a while in the second half when one of the home players suffered a broken leg and had to be taken by ambulance to hospital.

“We’re in a strong position to finish in one of the promotion places and have a massive few weeks ahead,” said an upbeat Harrop.

HALSTEAD TOWN booked their place in the First Division Knockout Cup semi-finals thanks to a narrow victory at home to Downham.

The only goal came in the second half, from the penalty spot.

James Murray was upended after running into the box and Marcus Warren dispatched from the spot, to make it 1-0.

The Norfolk side were reduced to ten men in the closing stages when one of their centre-halves was sent off.

Halstead, pushing for promotion from division one, also made the semi-finals last season.

BRANTHAM ATHLETIC got the weekend’s action under way with a premier division derby at home to Hadleigh United, on Friday night.

However, it turned out to be an evening to forget as Paul Skingley’s side slid to a 3-0 defeat.

Elsewhere, the wet weather caused problems for both FC CLACTON and WIVENHOE TOWN.

The Dragons’ top-of-the-table division one contest at Ely City was postponed on Friday.

An early call was made because officials were certain the soggy pitch would not dry out in time.

In contrast, Clacton were hopeful their premier division match at home to Saffron Walden Town would go ahead – providing there was little or no rain overnight on Friday.

Unfortunately, that was not the case and another downpour led to the pitch failing an 11am inspection.

BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES did not have a game scheduled for Saturday.