WIVENHOE TOWN will have to wait before confirming their promotion back into the Thurlow Nunn League premier division.

The Dragons went into Saturday’s first division game at Stowmarket Town knowing a victory would cement a top-three position.

However, they had to be content with a 2-2 draw – having looked on course for only their second defeat of the season until the last few seconds.

The hosts hit the post early on and then netted twice – only for Adam Hampson to reduce the arrears by taking advantage of some hesitant Stowmarket defending.

Wivenhoe looked set for defeat until player-assistant boss Ray Turner popped up with a dramatic leveller with almost the last kick of the game.

Mo Osman’s side will now hope to seal their promotion by beating Team Bury at the Maple Tree Cars Stadium on Wednesday night.

Elsewhere, STANWAY ROVERS also grabbed a late leveller in their premier division match at Walsham-le-Willows.

The hosts scored early on, from a free-kick.

However, Craig Hughes salvaged a share of the spoils with a late leveller for Angelo Harrop’s side.

Second-placed Stanway had been hoping neighbours BRANTHAM ATHLETIC could do them a favour by winning at runaway leaders Norwich United.

However, the Norfolk side were a class apart and raced into a three-goal lead before half-time, before eventually winning 4-0.

FC CLACTON slumped to a bitterly disappointing 3-0 defeat against Hadleigh United in their Friday night fixture at the Rush Green Bowl.

The Seasiders had the chance to go eighth in the premier division, leapfrogging Long Melford.

Instead, they produced a performance to forget and their evening got off to the worst possible start when they conceded after just eight minutes.

Hadleigh then added their second early in the second half, before making it three from the penalty spot, shortly after the hour-mark.

To compound matters, Lee Townrow was sent off early in the second half for a second booking.

Promotion-chasing HALSTEAD TOWN were also in action on Friday night.

They entertained AFC Sudbury Reserves in a first division contest and won 2-0.

Both goals came in the second half.

Ryan Weaver scored the first, with a great individual effort.

Substitute Jordan Hutchings then doubled the Humbugs’ lead.

Had Halstead lost, Wivenhoe would have been promoted as they would have been assured of a top-three finish.