OLYMPIAN: Catholic United secured promotion to division two with a thumping 8-0 win over bottom-club Stambridge United.

Dale Sands lead the goal scoring charge by firing home a hat-trick. Mark Reddaway and Mark Baptist scored braces while player-manager James Paviour wrapped up the scoring.

The result leaves Catholic one point behind FC Hamlets POAPC, with a game in hand.

In Division One, White Ensign suffered a shock defeat to Old Southendian.

Tom Smith scored the only goal of the game to secure the win, with Harold Hill favourites for the title.

They beat Herongate Athletic to move to within a point of the top two, as goals from Jamie Hughes, Mark Doyle and Jon Wightman gave them a 3-1 victory and now sees them a point behind the top two with games in hand.

In Division Two, Basildon Town won 6-4 in a thriller against Ryan. Basildon were 4-0 up at half-time but were pegged back. However, a brace from Tommy Barton and Dan Lee-Wilkins ensured the win.

Basildon are now third and could sneak into the promotion zone if they gain four points from their last two games.

Rochford Town were beaten 2-0 by Runwell Hospital.