The Division Two title race in the East London League took an unexpected turn as EFY overcame title rivals Stoke Newington

By PHIL RAVITZ

The Division Two title race in the East London League took an unexpected turn on Sunday in the top-of-the-table clash between title rivals EFY and Stoke Newington.

Leaders Stoke Newington entered the match as strong favourites to lift the title, having lost just once in the league all season and with three games in hand over second-placed EFY.

But EFY raised their game for the must-win clash, recording a 7-3 victory in a thrilling encounter that lifts the club to the top of the division and breathes new life into their championship hopes.

Newington remain well-placed to win the title, but Millwall Albion are now back in the hunt as the Isle of Dogs outfit lie a point further back with two games in hand on the new leaders.

Millwall, who will contest two cup finals next month, picked up three points on Sunday with a walkover win against Adriatiku.

The Stepney derby in Division One produced a thrilling encounter between champions East Moore and rivals Arbour Athletic, who required a point to guarantee promotion and the runners-up spot in the division.

For the second time this season, the sides drew 4-4 in a see-saw clash in which Arbour came from behind three times to clinch promotion courtesy of goals from John Gilroy, Nick Fautley, midfielder Ovidiou and Robert Clarke.

In the cup competitions, East London Advertiser Cup holders Stratford Juniors and Division Three outfit Beskitas both made it into the semi-finals of this year's competition.

Beskitas held off a brave rally from improving East End United to win 5-3, while Stratford recorded a 3-1 victory over Byron Athletic.