WIVENHOE TOWN enjoyed a thrilling 3-2 victory at Newbury Forest on a dramatic day in the Thurlow Nunn League.

Trailing at the break, the Dragons restored parity when Tonye Joseph headed home Charley Cook’s corner.

Lee Branson then stabbed home at the far post, from another flag-kick, to put the hosts ahead.

Newbury Forest equalised and Wivenhoe were reduced to ten men after a second booking for Connor Jones.

However, Myles Passley popped up with a late winner to ensure maximum points for the Dragons.

It was a tremendous result for James Meadows’ side, especially given their numerical disadvantage, and surely deserving of our performance of the day award, for the Gazette’s Thurlow Nunn League teams.

Elsewhere in division one south, HALSTEAD TOWN proved too strong for neighbours BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES, running out 4-1 winners.

Jordan Pavett gave the Humbugs a dream start, netting from close range after turning in a cross from Kane Gilbert.

Jamie Baker then played in Tom Cook, after a poor clearance from the Iron keeper, and took full advantage to make it 2-0.

Halstead’s third followed early in the second half when Baker nodded home from close range, after a cross from Callum Vincent.

Braintree gave themselves a glimmer of hope but Chris Harris added another for the hosts, seizing on a poor headed back-pass and tapping home for 4-1.

HOLLAND FC were left reeling after losing 3-2 at Burnham Ramblers – despite leading 2-0.

It was also a disappointing day for LITTLE OAKLEY, who crashed to a 7-0 defeat at Frenford, and BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT RESERVES, who went down 3-1 at home to White Ensign.

The premier division programme began with a match between BRANTHAM ATHLETIC and Woodbridge Town, on Friday evening.

Leading 2-0 at the break, the Woodpeckers ran out 3-1 winners.

FC CLACTON also looked on course for defeat before grabbing a late equaliser and drawing 1-1 at home to Long Melford.

The Suffolk side took the lead after a lapse in the home defence but Karl Andrade fired an equaliser after unselfish play from Adam Hampson.

First division HARWICH AND PARKESTON had no game on Saturday.

Their next fixture is at home to Tendring neighbours Brightlingsea on Friday night.

COGGESHALL UNITED were also without a game on Saturday.

STANWAY ROVERS had to be content with a share of the spoils from their 3-3 Essex Senior League draw at West Essex.

Rovers led 1-0 and 3-2 but were pegged back in the 88th minute.