EPPING FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

EPPING went some way to ensuring their Essex Olympian League premier division status with a comprehensive 5-0 thrashing of relegation rivals Shell Club Corringham.

Lee Forde opened the scoring on 25 minutes, attacking a cross at the near post and deflecting his header past the opposing keeper.

Chris Muir doubled the lead five minutes later with a low strike into the corner.

Muir then set up Cheng Mparupsa to shoot home from a central position from six yards out before half time.

It could have been four before the half was out, Forde heading aganist the crossbar from a wide cross.

Epping kept it tight after the break and maintained possession well, while the visitors grew increasingly frustrated.

This led to the dismissal of the Shell centre back, who received a second caution for a high tackle, on the hour mark.

An own goal on 70 minutes handed Epping a fourth soon after before Mark Mckenzie fired in from the penalty spot after Forde had been dragged down by the visiting keeper.

The result sees Epping - who travel to title-chasing White Ensign on Saturday - pull five points clear of the bottom two. They are now on 18 points.

With five games left to play, boss Mark Wells has targetted at least one more win for safety.

He said: "I set my team the target of first reaching 20 points and then, when we got to that, aiming for 22 points which could be enough. Given the game we have left, I think that is a realistic target.

"It was vital we took three points and this important victory gives us a little bit of breathing space."

Meanwhile, Loughton recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory over rivals Pelly House in Bishop's Stortford, Stansted and District League.

The hosts adapted quicker to the poor playing conditions and took the lead on 20 minutes after a good move led to Jim Rogers shooting inside the far post.

Good play by Tom Carter and Luke Millard ten minutes into the second half put Damien Muretti through on goal and he made no mistake in placing past the keeper.

It was Muretti who sealed the points late on with a powerful drive from the edge of the area.

Loughton are away to Quendon Athletic on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Epping Forest's other clubs' matches fell foul of the weather In Herts County Senior League, Buckhurst Hill' match with Lemsford, and Debden's trip to Old Palmetarians, were both postponed.

Debden are at home to Mill End Sports on Saturday while Hill do not have a match.

Ongar Town's Essex Olympian League division one clash at Stambridge United was also postponed.

They take on premier division leaders Kelvedon Hatch in the Senior Division Cup fourth round on Saturday.