Hendon help Hamlet- to a point- as there's late drama across the Bostik world

By Ian Townsend

Late goals a-plenty as Hamlet increase their lead, Canvey close the gap and Rooks go top once more

A flurry of late goals changed the face of the Bostik Premier League last night, and Dulwich Hamlet still lead the way- but they only got a point at Hendon.

The Greens soared into a 3-1 lead by half time, and it seemed that their generosity to Hamlet in giving up part of the gate receipts to help keep the visitors alive was the only charity that those in pink and blue were likely to get- and then, in the last ten minutes, all that changed. A Niko Muir double and a goal from Dave Diedhiou had put Hendon in charge, despite Ash Carew's 15th minute equaliser, and it was Carew again who reduced the arrears with nine minutes to go, before Rickie Hayles nabbed a last minute equaliser to bring a point back to Champion Hill. Hamlet are six points clear of Billericay Town, although the Essex side have five games in hand.

The image above shows Hamlet manager Gavin Rose being presented with his Mitre Manager of the Month Award for October.

Staines Town moved up to third place, and they also did it the hard way> Hosts Harrow Borough went a goal up, through Shaun Preddie, just after the hour mark, and held on to that lead until six minutes before the end when Elliot Buchanan struck to level. The Swans, with former AFC Wimbledon midfielder Sam Hatton making his debut as a second half substitute, wanted more than a point, however- and right at the death Buchanan struck again to send the three points back to Wheatsheaf Park.

Enfield Town must have thought themselves sure of three points after Elliot Benyon had put them ahead in the fortieth minute, and they held on until two minutes before the end, when Wingate and Finchley struck to earn a point through Afolabi Obafemi. Tooting and Mitcham United also struck in the closing stages in their match with Margate, but it was too little too late as Margate already had three by then, Jordan Chiedozie (2) and Kane Haysman making the points safe and lifting them to seventh place.

Brightlingsea Regent and Needham Market found their shooting boots in a big way, both sides notching five goals. Regent's tally included two from Billy Hunt as they walloped Burgess Hill Town 5-2, and Market had five different scorers as they defeated Harlow Town 5-1.

Lowestoft Town defeated a nine man Leatherhead 3-1, on a night which saw talismanic striker Jack Midson and player-manager Sammy Moore both receive first half second yellows for arguing with the referee. The Tanners fought hard despite this handicap, but second half goals from Jake Reed- his second- and Shaun Bammant lifted Lowestoft to thirteenth. Tonbridge Angels are in ninth, goals from Nathan Elder and Alex Akrofi giving them a 2-1 victory over Thurrock.

In the North Division, both Canvey Island and AFC Hornchurch closed the gap on leaders Dereham Town- both earning 1-0 home victories. The Urchins left it until the 84th minute to seal their victory over Ware, whilst Canvey had to hold on for 23 minutes against Haringey Borough, who lost their second match in a row after being undefeated until the weekend. Bowers & Pitsea moved up to fourth place after a 2-0 victory over Waltham Abbey, whilst Brentwood Town moved level on points with Soham Town Rangers after defeating their hosts 3-1.

Aveley picked up their first victory under James Webster, defeating Tilbury 2-0, and the match between Potters Bar Town and Maldon & Tiptree was postponed after a mini bus containing players and officials from The Jammers was involved in a collision on the M25. Apparently all escaped with cuts and bruises, but we'd like to send our love and wish them well.

The Rooks soared back to the top of the South Division, after previous leaders Corinthian-Casuals were undone by a fictional bird, a Phoenix! Frankie Sawyer put Phoenix Sports ahead in the thirty fourth minute, and despite Casuals best efforts they conceded another six minutes from the end, when former Croydon striker Jeff Duah-Kessie sealed the points. Lewes did the hard work in their match at South park in the first half, going two goals up through Jonte Smith and Billy Medlock before comfortably seeing out the second half to go a point clear at the summit.

Sittingbourne took an early lead at Molesey, Miles Cornwell putting them ahead in the first minute, but then fell behind to a double from Ronald Sobowale. The Brickies weren't to be defeated, however, and that man Kane Rowland stepped up again to fire home and second half double and bring the points back to Woodstock. The other two matches had no goals, as Hastings United, Chipstead, Hythe Town and Greenwich Borough failed to trouble the statisticians.

In the Velocity Trophy, Met Police travelled to Folkestone Invicta and came away with a 2-1 victory, Dorking Wanderers walloped four without reply at Shoreham, and Walton Casuals defeated Horsham 3-0.

Tonight there are matches at Thamesmead Town and Billericay Town in the Velocity Trophy.

Where next?

Page starts a new chapter Former K's legend now a chip!
Match off as Jammers involved in crash Match between Potters Bar Town and Maldon & Tiptree postponed after accident

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