James Anderson builds on Paul Horton hundred

Essex 176 and 46 for 2 and Lancashire 312
Scorecard

Paul Horton made a fine century and James Anderson continued his superb return to the Lancashire line-up with two second-innings wickets as the visitors took control against Essex at Chelmsford.

Resuming on 83 for 3 after Anderson's six wickets had helped dismiss the hosts for 176, Lancashire reached 312 on the back of Horton's 123.

England paceman Anderson was soon adding to his list of victims after Essex embarked upon their second innings, removing Billy Godleman and John Maunders lbw in his first six overs - and before Essex closed on 46 for 2, he looked to have dismissed Jake Mickleburgh as well.

The Essex youngster was given out by umpire Peter Willey as Anderson raced down the wicket to take what he believed was a return catch.

Mickleburgh, looking back and obviously unhappy, was halfway to the pavilion when he was called back after Willey and his colleague Nigel Llong, standing at square leg, conferred. It was ruled that the ball had come off the batsman's helmet and he continued his innings to keep Alastair Cook company until the end.

Much now will depend on Cook if Essex are to take the match into a final day and make a fight of it. The England opener will resume on 29 fully aware of the huge burden resting upon his shoulders.

Lancashire's innings was earlier built around Horton, who resisted for just over six hours before being the last man out. It was a largely patient innings that contained the occasional flourish - with 14 boundaries - and was brought to an end when he was caught behind by James Foster to provide Chris Wright with his third wicket.

Horton's major support came from Steve Croft, the pair adding 130 in 38 overs for the sixth wicket. Croft's share was 56, containing eight fours, before his defences were breached by Ryan ten Doeschate.

But it was David Masters who emerged as Essex's most successful bowler. The paceman finished with 4 for 81 from 29 overs and with a little bit more luck could have reaped greater reward. He certainly beat the bat more than his colleagues, but young fast bowler Maurice Chambers also displayed a fair amount of hostility while picking up 2 for 58 from 23 overs. Essex go into the third day still requiring a further 90 to clear the arrears.