Police and Casuals go second as K's fail to become kings of Kingston

There was a substantial programme of fixtures across our three divisions last night, and the top story was undoubtedly at Imber Court. Metropolitan Police were two goals behind to Kingstonian with only twelve minutes remaining, Alec Fiddes and Ambrose Gnahore having put the K's ahead, when Luke Robertson stepped up to reduce the arears. And then, with four minutes to go, Tom Bird grabbed an equaliser, before the same player popped up with a winner right at the death to leave the boys in blue in second place, five points behind Dulwich Hamlet.

This was Met's eleventh consecutive match without defeat, and they go to Thamesmead Town in the FA Trophy on Saturday in confident mood. That match, incidentally, will be covered live by the Back of the Net team.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Leiston's mini-slump continued as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Harlow Town, and Burgess Hill Town won their first away match of the season when James Richmond fired in a last minute winner at Tooting & Mitcham United. Margate went behind at Merstham but recovered to win 2-1 and move up to ninth, whilst Needham Market won their first league match since 26th September. coming from behind at Lowestoft Town to record a 4-2 victory.

The Adam Hinshelwood transformation continues at Worthing. The Mackerel Men may still be bottom of the table, but last night they recorded their fourth successive victory in all competitions, second in the League, as they comprehensively defeated Dorking Wanderers by three goals to one. That closes the gap to second bottom Thurrock to just three points. The great escape is most definitely on!

In the North Division leaders Dereham Town fell to a surprise defeat at Witham Town, two Elliott Ronto penalties doing the damage, whilst Barking were the only other winners, defeating Ware by the single goal of the game, scored by Theo Ola from the spot in the 72nd minute. In the other matches, Bury Town drew 2-2 with Norwich United, Cheshunt let a two goal lead slip as Potters Bar Town came back to draw at the Pakex Stadium, whilst Soham Town and Mildenhall Town also shared four goals.

In the South Division second place Greenwich Borough had the opportunity to reduce the gap to leaders Lewes to two points, but fell to a surprise home defeat to Carshalton Athletic. Robins striker Raheem Sterling-Parker picked up a partially unwanted hat trick of two goals and a red card, and much credit most go to the away side for holding on after playing much of the second period with ten men.

Corinthian-Casuals continued their fine run of form to move into second place, hammering Molesey by four goals to one at King George's Field. They now find themselves two points behind Lewes, although the Rooks have a game in hand. Cray Wanderers failed to substantially close the gap after a 1-1 draw at Hastings United, whilst Sittingbourne similarly failed to make up ground, falling to a last minute home defeat against Faversham Town.

In the night's other matches, Chipstead put four goals past a Horsham side that only managed one in return, Ramsgate scored three without reply against Ashford United, Thamesmead Town scored three goals in the first 22 minutes at Herne Bay and held on to win 3-2, and South Park won for the first time in more than a month, beating Phoenix Sports 2-1.

Walton Casuals moved up to eighth place with a 2-0 victory at East Grinstead Town.

Away from the league, there was a thrilling match at the Runneymede Stadium in the FA Trophy last night, as Bowers and Pitsea won their replay at Egham Town 5-3 after extra time.

In tonight's matches, Leatherhead host Folkestone Invicta, Romford entertain Haringey Borough, and Whyteleafe fly to Guernsey.