MALDON AND TIPTREE will end 2019 sitting proudly at the top of the BetVictor Isthmian League division north table after an emphatic 5-0 victory at neighbours WITHAM TOWN.

Wayne Brown's FA Cup heroes have won 12 of their 13 matches so far, drawing the other, and ended the year in style with a huge win at the The Simarco Stadium.

Danny Parish and Conor Hubble put them in the driving seat at half-time but it was only in the latter stages that they raced out of sight, stretching their lead thanks to a Parish penalty.

Jorome Slew added a fourth and there was still time for one more, notched by Danny Collinge.

Maldon will start the new year at the top of the table, still three points above second-placed Aveley after their crushing 6-0 victory against Romford.

Elsewhere, COGGESHALL TOWN are fifth, in the last play-off spot, after a goalless draw at Great Wakering Rovers.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS did not have a game at the weekend.

They return to action at home to Felixstowe and Walton United on New Year's Day.

Maldon, Coggeshall and Witham are next in action on Saturday.

In the premier division, BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT suffered more disappointment after losing 3-0 at Hornchurch.

Rickie Hayles gave the hosts an early lead and they doubled it on the stroke of half-time, thanks to a penalty from Chris Dickson.

Nathan Cooper, who was later sent off, then made the points safe midway through the second half.

Regent are third from bottom in the table.

Their next fixture is at home to Folkestone Invicta on Saturday.