Gloucestershire left themselves poised for victory over Essex at Southend after dominating the third day of their LV County Championship match.

After making 498 for a first-innings lead of 198, they reduced Essex to 75-3 by the close.

Resuming on 319-6, the visitors were able to progress with few problems against bowling that lacked bite and was too often wayward.

Essex did claim an early success when Danish Kaneria trapped James Franklin lbw immediately after he had gathered the eight runs required to complete his century, a dismissal that brought to an end a partnership of 169 with Steve Adshead.

But half-century stands involving Ian Saxelby and Jon Lewis enabled the visitors to post their big advantage before the innings was brought to an end.

Adshead finished unbeaten on 156, the highest score of his career and only his second century.

It was an effort that lasted just over six hours and spanned 275 deliveries. He struck 15 fours and two sixes and seldom experienced an anxious moment.

Kaneria toiled away for 44 overs in returning figures of 3-158 while paceman Graham Napier returned 3-99 in 28.2 overs.

But neither they nor their colleagues were able to pose the sort of problems the Gloucestershire bowlers provided when Essex batted again.

They were soon in trouble as Lewis removed both openers in his first five overs.

Jason Gallian was caught behind by Adshead while John Maunders edged to Richard Dawson at second slip.

When Dawson's safe pair of hands accounted for Matt Walker, this time Kirby claiming the wicket, Essex found themselves in dire straights at 31 for three.

But Tom Westley and skipper Mark Pettini managed to steer clear of further trouble as Essex finished the day still requiring a further 123 to clear their arrears.