With only four matches played in the Essex Senior League on Saturday, Haringey Borough went ten points clear at the summit by beating Takeley 1-0.

Victory means it is now 15 wins from 16 games for Tom Loizou’s side, though second-placed Barking do boast two games in hand on Borough.

It was not until a minute before the interval that Saleem Masri powered a header into the top corner after good work by Anthony McDonald enabled him to send over an inviting cross. The crossbar kept out a dipping strike from distance by Dan Aristidou early in the second half.

More chances were created but Haringey were unable to increase their lead, largely thanks to a string of fine saves by home goalkeeper Sam Haywood. In the final half-an-hour, Takeley poured forward and the Borough defence was given a stern examination as the visitors struggled to retain the ball further up the field.

Takeley came closest when they hit the post, whilst keeper Ashley Harris was called into action on more than one occasion to preserve a clean sheet and three points.