WALTHAM Abbey’s promotion hopes suffered a body blow on Tuesday as they were shot down by Aveley in their top of the table clash.

A win would have put the Abbotts right back in the mix amongst Ryman Division One North’s top three sides, but, as it is, they remain seven points adrift of third-placed Brentwood Town.

League leaders Aveley opened up a two goal lead in midweek, but an 88th minute Lee White penalty gave the hosts a glimmer of hope.

However, it was not to be, and they will be desperate to banish that memory with victory at mid-table outfit Tilbury on Saturday.

Abbey were given a helping hand in their quest for promotion by an unlikely source, however.

Local rivals Leyton managed to hold fifth-placed Northwood to a 2-2 draw on Tuesday, ensuring that Troy Townsend’s Lilywhites continue to move on an upward curve.

Although Leyton have little left to play for this season, having all but secured their Division One North status for another year, while they are too far behind to launch a late promotion bid, Townsend has been keen to use the remaining games to build a side capable of mucking it with the best the league has to offer.

They have done just that in recent weeks, more than matching rivals Abbey in their narrow home defeat two weeks ago, while they went one better at their Lea Bridge Road ground against Northwood, scoring twice en route to an encouraging draw.

The next challenge for Leyton is a home clash against Chatham Town.

Elsewhere, Waltham Forest are not yet out of the woods after a demoralising 3-0 defeat to Chatham at the weekend.

The Stags are managing to keep their heads above water after several encouraging performances since Olewale Ojelabi took the reins.

However, they will have to improve against Cheshunt on Saturday, while they were due to play host to Wingate & Finchley last night.

Meanwhile, Premier Division side Harlow helped their survival cause with a win and a draw against Canvey Island and Dartford respectively this week.

Elsewhere, Epping were knocked out of the Essex Olympian Senior Cup at the fourth round stage by Bishop’s Stortford, while Division Two side Leytonstone’s woes continued with a 3-2 defeat to Ryan.

In Division One, Buckhurst Hill’s promotion hopes took a turn for the worse as they were beaten by Linford Wanderers, 2-1.

Loughton overcame Pelly House with a 2-0 win in the Bishop’s Stortford, Stansted and District League Premier Division on Saturday.