There were some eye-catching results for north Essex sides across the two divisions of the Thurlow Nunn League but not all were positive as some sides missed the chance to be in line for the Gazette’s star performance award.

On a day when a brutally cold wind combined with driving rain to make it entirely unpleasant to be out and about, some clubs could warm themselves with the knowledge they had banked three hard-earned points.

Others, however, were left to reflect on an afternoon that was best to be forgotten all round.

The game of the day in division one south was surely the battle at the Milbank Stadium as second-placed Halstead Town hosted leaders White Ensign.

There were just two points between the top pair at the start of the day, but Halstead were one of those who were left rueful as they finished it sat third and five adrift of their promotion rivals.

It began well enough for the Humbugs as Tom Cook gave them the lead after just two minutes, but they were unable to consolidate that and paid the price at the end.

Brett Munyard levelled for White Ensign on 63 minutes and Dominic Locke’s 90th minute strike meant there was a sting in the tail for Halstead as they ended up losing 2-1.

That might have been game of the day, but the Gazette’s performance of the day can surely only go to one place – Brightlingsea Regent Reserves.

Any side that scores eight goals on the day can surely have few contenders for the star performers tag as they won 8-0 in the local derby at Wivenhoe Town.

It has been a tough first season in senior football for Regent’s reserves, but they have now won back-to-back games for the first time this year and kept clean sheets in both.

It was tight at half-time as Regent led the Dragons by a single goal from Charlie Lindoe’s free-kick, but the floodgates opened after the break.

Lindoe added a further two to complete his hat-trick, while Hayden Dutch and Charley Gilbert scored twice each and Adam Shaikley was on target in an 8-0 drubbing.

Another side completing back-to-back wins with clean sheets were Little Oakley as they beat Lopes Tavares 4-0.

The Acorns had Harry Mann scoring a brace, with Joss Neale adding another and Cam Wallace getting a debut goal for the club.

Coggeshall United were another side able to warm themselves with three points as George Smith’s lone strike was enough for the Weavers to win 1-0 at Burnham Ramblers.

However, Holland FC were unable to win at home as Wormley Rovers beat them 3-1 at Eastcliff.

There was also a 3-1 scoreline in the premier division and this time it was good news for a Tendring side as FC Clacton won on their travels.

Goals from Matt Eve, Jake Plane and Zach Walter saw the Seasiders win at Framlingham Town.

Another local side celebrating top flight success was Brantham Athletic as Jack Marshall and Andrew Wood scored to give them a 2-0 home win against Thetford Town.