Saturday's Ryman North action review

Only VCD Athletic still possess a 100 per cent record after the opening three games of the Ryman North season, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Continuing their momentum after being promoted at the end of last season, the Kent side raced into a 3-0 lead inside 17 minutes against Aveley with two goals from Tyrus Gordon and one from James Duckworth.

Sammy Knott managed a consolation goal for the Millers seven minutes from time and Billy Holland's dismissal near the end only added to their misery.

Heybridge Swifts, Witham Town and Needham Market all dropped their first points of the new season on Saturday.

Swifts and Needham Market shared a 1-1 Scraley Road draw in which Taylor Hastings put the home side in front after three minutes and Sam Newson eventually levelled 10 minutes from time.

Ben Smith was Thurrock's hero at Witham with two penalties to spare the Fleet from defeat after they had taken a first half lead. Thurrock took the lead in the 44th minute when Joel Nouble broke free in the box and was brought down. Smith stepped up and smashed the spot-kick home.

Witham came out strongly in the second half and after just four minutes James Stevens scored a screamer to level the match. Things got worse for Thurrock on 71 minutes Witham took the lead after an overhead kick into the box was headed home by Tom Devaux.

Fleet kept battling though and a late melee in the box saw Witham defender Seb Murfet handle on the line and he was then promptly sent-off. Up stepped Smith who held his nerve to smash home the equaliser.

Fancied Harlow Town are unbeaten after seeing off Tilbury 3-0 at Barrows Farm. Robbie Martin broke the deadlock four minutes after the break and then two goals in seven minutes from Leon Antoine on 71 minutes and Junior Dadson completed the scoring for the Hawks.

Redbridge picked up their first three points of the season with a 3-0 win over Soham Town Rangers. Les Thompson scored twice for the Motormen and Emiel Aiken added the other.

Wroxham edged a seven-goal thriller at Trafford Park against Ware. Steve Drake gave the Yachtsmen a sixth minute lead that Fernando Vide doubled just before half-time. Ross Durrant gave the hosts a three-goal cushion on 68 minutes with Jamie Smith reducing the arrears five minutes later.

Pedro Sanha restored Wroxham's three-goal cushion nine minutes later, but Gareth Madde and Tony Martin struck in the final 10 minutes to ensure a surprisingly nervy finale.

Waltham Abbey won the derby against Romford at Thurrock`s Ship Lane. Tom Bruno put previously win-less Abbey ahead after 39 minutes and Darrell Russell added a second 16 minutes from time.

Maldon & Tiptree produced a convincing away win at Cheshunt, despite falling behind to a ninth minute Leon Fisher effort. Danny Johnson levelled on 23 minutes and Jack Stevenson took Terry Spillane's side into the break in front with a second on 38 minutes. But it wasn't until the final three minutes when Ryan Wade and then Joe Gardner scored that the visitors could be sure of victory.

The battle of the new boys saw Erith & Belvedere triumph at Burnham Ramblers, thanks to a 26th minute penalty from James Lawrence.

AFC Sudbury enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 home win over Waltham Forest, courtesy of second half goals from Jamie Forshaw with two and Dave Cowley, while Brentwood Town were beaten 4-2 at home by promoted Dereham Town, for whom this was their first points as a Ryman League club.

Nicky Howell put the Deres in front just before half-time and two minutes after it Gary Starling doubled their advantage. Petrit Elbi reduced the deficit five minutes later, but Luke Tuttle on 57 minutes and Danny Morphew on 73, put Dereham out of sight, with Elbi's second in stoppage time merely a consolation.

Another promoted side, Barkingside, earned a second win in three games with a 3-2 success at Chatham Town in which Chas Liddiard gave 'Side a 29th minute lead. Andy Constable equalised just after half-time and then Alfie May put the Chats in front after 67 minutes. But Paul Kavanagh on 76 minutes and a second for Liddiard a minute from time secured victory for the visitors.