THERE were goals galore on an action-packed day in the Thurlow Nunn League.

Among the highlights were a topsy-turvy 3-3 draw at FC CLACTON, a stunning 3-0 victory for division one south basement boys BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT RESERVES and a Friday night victory for WIVENHOE TOWN at HOLLAND FC.

On the flip side, HALSTEAD TOWN and HARWICH AND PARKESTON suffered narrow defeats while LITTLE OAKLEY were hit for eight on a dismal day at May and Baker.

Clacton’s premier division draw came against Kirkley and Pakefield, at the Rush Green Bowl.

The Seasiders found themselves two-up thanks to Charlie Thompson’s far-post header and a low, deflected free-kick from Jake Plane.

But Kirkley threw themselves a lifeline and then drew level from the penalty spot, after a foul by Lee Clowsley.

The Suffolk side thought they had grabbed a late winner but Clacton salvaged a point – the very least they deserved – after a late penalty by Adam Hampson, after the referee spotted a handball from Plane’s free-kick.

Elsewhere in the premier division, BRANTHAM ATHLETIC defeated Ely City 3-0.

The Imps turned up the heat with three second-half goals, scored by Sam Newson, Mason Ridgway Lumley and substitute Elliott Johnson.

In division one south, all eyes were on the top-of-the-table showdown between Hashtag United and Halstead.

The Humbugs started the day top of the table but were replaced at the summit by their hosts after losing 2-1.

They had led at the break thanks to Marcus Warren’s goal.

Two-one was also the score at the Royal Oak as Harwich were narrowly beaten by lowly Wormley Rovers – despite taking an early lead - and also at Holland FC on Friday night, as the hosts suffered a narrow defeat against Wivenhoe.

Steve Eaton put the hosts ahead but the improving Dragons – now unbeaten in five league matches – turned the contest on its head thanks to second-half goals from Myles Passley and Markel Greenidge.

There were two big defeats for Essex sides.

BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES slumped to a 4-0 defeat at home to Newbury Forest while Oakley had a day to forget, crashing to an 8-0 reverse at third-placed May and Baker.

It was their first league defeat, while the hosts are third and still unbeaten.

Last but not least was this weekend’s standout result – Brightlingsea reserves’ 3-0 victory against Lopes Tavares.

The R’s remain bottom of the table but can take heart from a very encouraging week, which started with a 3-2 victory at Oakley in the League Challenge Cup on Tuesday.

They then followed it up with three points on Saturday – their first league win, having lost seven and drawn one of their previous eight games.