Bank Holiday Monday's Premier Division review

By David Watters

The four teams who began Bank Holiday Monday's fixtures in the Ryman League Premier Division protecting unbeaten records all maintained their runs, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Grays Athletic lead the way on goal difference from Leiston while Wingate & Finchley are third and the other side yet to taste defeat, Harrow Borough, are now up to sixth.

Grays enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 derby victory over newly-promoted Brentwood Town at Mill Field.

Two goals in two minutes from Jay Leader and Dumebu Dumaka in the 14th and 16th minutes gave the home side a cushion. Roman Michael-Percil added a third after 32 minutes, with Dumaka scoring his second and Grays' fourth seven minutes from time.

Ryman League

Ryman League

Leiston, however, were held to a 2-2 draw at yet-to-win neighbours Needham Market, for whom this was a fourth drawn game out of seven matches.

Christy Finch gave the visitors a sixth minute lead that Adam Mills cancelled out six minutes later. Billy Clark restored Leiston`s lead three minutes later, only for Mills to notch his second five minutes before the break to restore parity.

Six minutes after the interval and it looked as though Market were in deep trouble when they had Joe Whight dismissed but they managed to hold on for a point.

Wingate won 3-1 at Imber Court against Metropolitan Police.

Ola Sogbanmu after just seven minutes and Karl Oliyide five minutes later gave the visitors a two-goal lead. Rob Laney eventually added to that 12 minutes from time with Reece Yorke netting an 86th minute consolation for the Blues.

Harrow inflicted a third successive defeat on Hendon in the tenants versus landlords encounter at Earlsmead, the "visitors" coming out on top thanks to a 38th minute penalty from Marc Charles-Smith.

Apart from Needham Market, Lewes and VCD Athletic are the other teams yet to record a win in the 2015-16.

Lewes lost the Sussex derby at the Dripping Pan in front of 568 to Bognor Regis Town, Jason Prior earning bragging rights with a brace in the 11th and 22nd minutes.

It was a Bank Holiday afternoon to forget for VCD, who were hammered 7-0 at Longmead by Tonbridge Angels, who moved up to fourth in the fledgling table.

Tom Phipp gave the home side the boost of an early ninth minute lead that Nick Wheeler doubled after 28 minutes. Charlie Webster made it 3-0 after 37 minutes which was the half-time score.

Wheeler`s second from the penalty spot after 68 minutes deflated the visitors, who conceded three more to sub Tommy Whitnell on 73 minutes, Nathan Elder on 80 minutes and Tom Parkinson two minutes from time.

Elsewhere, Farnborough were unable to back up Saturday`s first game win, losing 3-1 in their second match after suspension at Leylands Park to Burgess Hill Town.

Lee Harding gave the Hillians a 17th minute lead that Lewis Collins equalised five minutes later. Sub Chris Smith eventually restored the home side`s lead on 69 minutes, with fellow sub Dan Pearse adding a third two minutes from time.

Fancied Dulwich Hamlet found form in beating Kingstonian 3-0 at Kingsmeadow.

Jacob Erskine bagged a brace in the ninth and 69th minutes, with Ethan Pinnock finishing K's off with a third a minute later.

Billericay Town, another pre-season fancy, maintained their slow start with a home defeat by Canvey Island, also a 3-0 reverse.

Martin Tuohy gave the visitors a 13th minute lead that John Curran doubled six minutes later. Curran's second in stoppage time at the end of the game added the icing on the cake.

Newly-promoted Merstham enjoyed a 2-0 derby win at Fetcham Grove against Leatherhead.

Wes Daly put the Moatsiders in the lead after 32 minutes and Fabio Saraiva made sure the points went to the visiting side with a second just past the hour-mark.

More local bragging rights were earned by Hampton & Richmond Borough after they earned a real last-gasp win at Wheatsheaf Park against Staines Town.

The Swans were still ahead in time added on thanks to Pat Cox's 71st minute effort before Tom Jelley and then Charlie Moone pooped up to win it for the Beavers.

Enfield Town and East Thurrock United shared a 1-1 Queen Elizabeth II Stadium draw.

Darnell Wynter put the home side in front after just eight minutes before the Essex side finally found a 67th minute equaliser through Tom Waight.

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Where next?

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