Felsted Rovers made it back-to-back wins with success against previously unbeaten Pitsea Town in Mid-Essex League Division One.
Dom King closed down the Pitsea keeper and slotted home to open the scoring on a windy afternoon.
And Felsted controlled possession for most of the first half, as left wing-back Arran Dyson impressed in a superb defensive display.
The hosts doubled their lead when King found space in the box to fire home a shot on the turn and he completed his hat-trick after a driving run by Ben Madden.
Pitsea netted twice to set up a nervous finish, but Felsted held on for the win to move up to second in the table.
*Dunmow Rhodes are set to take on Panfield Bell in the Braintree & North Essex Sunday League Division One Cup on Sunday (10.30am).
The holders were without a game last weekend and due to return to league action against Heybridge Harriers on February 16.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here