OLD LOUGHTONIANS men inflicted a first home defeat in two years on Harleston Magpies in a result that saw them extend their unbeaten run to eight games and maintain their place at the top of the Conference East table on goal difference.

The team fell behind for the first time all season on 12 minutes, however, some heavy pressure eventually drew an equalising goal from Alex Jennings. Loughts continued to dominate and they grabbed the lead when James Southgate fired home. Adam Wheater's close-range effort made the points safe.

A trip to Chelmsford is next up for the men's team.

Elsewhere, Old Loughts' ladies suffered their third defeat of the season at home to Harleston.

The local team made a bright start, but they soon found themselves on the back foot and a misplaced pass led to the only goal of the game. Miranda Weeks' terrific shot struck the bar, but that was to be the closest they came to a leveller.

There was better news for Waltham Forest ladies, as they moved up to sixth in Division One South with a 2-0 win over Letchworth.

Stand-in captain Philippa Leguen de Lacroix set up player-of-the-match Gill Fraser for the opening goal at the second attempt.

Fraser was instrumental in the second too, her shot cannoning off the post and into the path of Anna Pearson, who made no mistake.

A local derby against Crostyx awaits the team this week.

Elsewhere, the men's team made it a perfect weekend for Forest with a 3-1 win at Ford.

Once the team managed to cope with the threat of the hosts' central midfielder, the away side began to shift gears. Kris Bubnelis got his first goal for the first XI, and more followed as Nico Kurt found the net before Luce Da Silva rounded off the scoring.

A penalty flick was a late consolation for Ford, and Forest, now in third place, will look for another victory this week against second-placed Witham.