Waltham Abbey underlined their tags as pre-season promotion contenders with an impressive 2-0 win away at Northwood on Saturday to make it three straight victories in the Bostik League South Central Division.

In a stop-start game that wasn’t always the greatest quality, Mark Stimson’s side produced the perfect away performance to down Woods and end their hosts’ 100 per cent record at home.

The Abbotts had the better of the opening exchanges and could have led within the opening few minutes as Billy Holland crashed an effort off the post after Rob Clark’s enticing delivery.

They didn’t have to wait long to opening the scoring though, as Ronnie Winn got in behind after good work by Ross Dedman and dinked an effort over Woods keeper Luke Sheldrick to break the deadlock after 15 minutes.

Northwood should have levelled before the break when Luke Alfano could only blaze over from close range with their best chance of the half.

However, Abbey picked up where they left off and Holland struck the woodwork again before Charlie Stimson put the seal on an excellent win with 12 minutes remaining.

It was FA Vase First Qualifying Round action for several of those of an Essex Senior League persuasion on Saturday, although Walthamstow were left frustrated after being knocked out 3-1 after extra-time by division counterparts Takeley.

Ryan Maxwell’s side fell behind after 11 minutes when Charlie Cole netted, and they had to wait until the 84th minute before they restored parity through James Peagram.

However, goals in extra-time from Stuart Zanone and Andre Humphrys helped the Essex club progress at Walthamstow’s expense.

Woodford Town 2017 will have to go again against Clapton in a home replay tonight after their tie ended 1-1 after extra-time.

Steve Sardinia cancelled out Temi Babalola’s opener for Woodford to force overtime, although the sides could not be separated after the additional 30 minutes.

Leyton Athletic were dumped out of the competition by Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division side Stotfold who breezed to a comfortable 4-0 victory in Bedfordshire.

It was bad news, too, for Ilford who were knocked out by Haverhill Rovers in a 2-1 reverse, despite taking the lead.

Three minutes into the second half Ilford capitalised on a defensive mistake with Yemi Adelani finishing well.

However, goals from Mark Lovell after 54 minutes and Sam Holmes with eight minutes remaining secured Haverhill’s progress.

West Essex received a bye in the Vase first round and will now travel to play Stotfold in round two.

In the Essex Olympian League Premier Division, last season’s Division One champions Buckhurst Hill continued their 100 per cent start to the new season with a 5-1 victory against Sungate.

There were five separate scorers as goals from Josh Addinall, Sonny Shilling, Josh Banfield, Joe Re and Suley Zuhdu confirmed an emphatic win that moves them top on goal difference.

In the Senior League Cup, Snaresbrook beat Ramsden Scotia 4-1 thanks to goals from Drew Barbier, Yasin Hammad, George Bacon and Ryan Barker-Francis.

There was also a victory for Epping Town who netted five times in a comprehensive 5-0 defeat of Old Barkabbeyans.

A brace from Daniel Ezeorji and strikes from Tim Curtis, Liam Clifton and Chris Lockwood secured their progress.