ADAM Adeoye Yuseff grabbed a precious late winner as HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS snatched a 2-1 victory at Brentwood Town.

Both sides badly needed the points from today’s crucial Ryman League division north contest at The Arena.

Nicholas Brown gave Swifts the lead early in the second half but Ben Sampayo levelled on 61 minutes.

Billy Rees then saw red for the hosts before Yuseff grabbed Swifts’ winner.

It means they are now six points clear of the relegation zone.

Elsewhere, WITHAM TOWN began the New Year in near-perfect fashion with an emphatic 5-1 success at Bowers and Pitsea.

Ryan Imbert’s ninth-minute opener put them on the road to victory.

However, Tyler Hayes’ own goal meant it was all-square at the break.

Adam Flint’s men then stepped up a gear after the break and added four more goals.

Max Bradford put them in front again four minutes into the second period and Nathan Koranteng slotted home from the penalty spot to make it 3-1.

Usman Adeniji and Tim Monsheju then added goals in the closing stages to put the gloss on an impressive victory.

Leaders MALDON AND TIPTREE put three more points on the board courtesy of a 2-0 success at home to Haringey Borough.

Tyler Brampton scored the first goal on the hour mark.

Liam Nash then added the second with a penalty six minutes from time and the visitors’ misery was compounded by a red card for Ben Adams.

Maldon are now five points clear of second-placed Thurrock.

BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT boosted their promotion dream with a 3-0 success at home to Wroxham.

All the goals came in the latter stages.

Phil Kelly converted after a scramble and then Aaron Condon capitalised on a one-on-one opportunity, before capping a satisfying afternoon with a third in the 90th minute.

Regent climbed up to fifth in the table – in the last play-off spot – following their success at North Road.