Essex paceman Ricky Anderson bowled his side into a winning position, returning figures of 5-79 to leave the home side requiring 209 runs for victory.

That Surrey reached 306 in their second innings owed much to some resolute batting that saw three batsman reach half-centuries before defiant innings by Martin Bicknell and Ian Salisbury in the late order supported the earlier efforts.

After a delayed start when six overs were lost to rain, Essex would have been pleased with their progress when they took three wickets to leave their opponents with a slender lead of 108 runs and four wickets intact at lunch.

All three wickets were claimed by Anderson, those of Mark Ramprakash, 61, Adam Hollioake, 52, and Jonathan Batty with the final delivery before lunch.

Anderson made it four victims when obstinate Gary Butcher edged a lifting delivery to the wicket-keeper but Bicknell and Salisbury stoutly resisted a number of bowling changes until Bicknell was bowled by Ashley Cowan for 24.

Rupesh Amin fell immediately but Ed Giddins joined Salisbury in a last-wicket stand of 28 that frustrated Essex for 13 overs until Salisbury edged a ball from Anderson behind the wicket in the first over after tea to give the bowler his 34th first-class wicket of the season.

Essex made a promising start but the loss of both Paul Grayson and Stephen Peters in the 13th over gave Surrey some encouragement before Stuart Law and Richard Clinton steered Essex to the close.

They will start the final day requiring a further 144 runs with eight wickets intact to achieve their second Championship win of the season.

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