Stand up for the Scholars- and bow down to the Town(s)!

Image this scenario. You’ve won only two of your last ten matches, you’re up against a side on a hot streak of form, and you go two goals behind after twenty two minutes. Game over? Not if you happen to be Potters Bar Town! Last night the managerless Scholars were at home to Bishop’s Stortford, and when Nicholas Brown put the visitors ahead the writing was on the wall. When
Johnville Renee made it two, it seemed written in permanent ink. But the Scholars weren’t downhearted. Steve Brown got one back just before the break, and in the second half the traffic was one way. Keegan Cole equalised from the spot six minutes in, and then Bradley Sach notched a double to record what had seemed an unlikely victory and move Bar up to seventh, above their visitors.

At Longmead we had first taking on third, as Tonbridge Angels took on Enfield Town. Angels had stuttered a little of late, with two defeats from their previous four, and now it’s three from five as the Towners went to town. Ryan Blackman and Taofiq Olomowewe gave them a two goal lead, and Joe Turner’s last minute reply didn’t effect the outcome, as Enfield moved second- a point behind their opponents.

Dorking Wanderers slipped to third after a goalless draw at Burgess Hill Town, who are now only bottom of the table on goal difference, whilst Lewes climbed to fifth with a hard fought 1-0 win at Whitehawk. Jonte Smith got the goal from the spot in front of 612 at the Enclosed Ground.

Down on the Kent coast Folkestone Invicta’s recent stuttering form continued, as they turned a 2-1 lead with six minutes to go into a 3-2 defeat to Carshalton Athletic. The Robins took the lead in the first half through Jerson Dos Santos, but Invicta equalised three minutes after the break, Ronnie Dolan finding the net. Neil Cugley’s men then took the lead with only sixteen minutes to go, Johan Ter Horst surely sealing victory- but no! Defender Daniel Pappoe, formerly of Brighton & Hove Albion, equalised with six minutes left, and then a Raheem Sterling-Parker thunderbolt sent the points back to Carshalton right on full time.

Corinthian-Casuals got back to winning ways as they faced a Haringey Borough side perhaps still celebrating their FA Cup exploits at King George’s Field. Mark Kirby gave Borough the lead, but goals from Warren Mfula, Juevan Spencer and Mu Mann turned things around as Casuals climbed to fifteenth.

Finally for the Premier Division, Harlow Town’s poor form continued, as they conceded their twelfth goal in three league matches to lose 1-0 at home to Brightlingsea Regent- who are now unbeaten in three. Matthew Baxter got the goal.

In the North Division, Maldon and Tiptree could have gone third with victory over AFC Sudbury. Sadly for fans of the Jammers four first half goals put paid to any lofty ambitions they may have had, two from Callum Harrison, one from Billy Holland and one from Phil Kelly making the difference. They did manage to shut up shop in the second half, but the damage was done.

Bracknell Town went back to the top of the South Central Division in some style, walloping seven goals past the sorry Sarnies of Egham Town. It really wasn’t Egham’s night- when one of your opponents top scorers is a Mr O. Goal you know the fates are against you. There were two own goals in the first half, as well as one from Liam Ferdinand as the Robins went in 3-1 up, Ashley Lodge replying for the away side- then in the second half Seb Bowerman, Adam Cornell and a double from Joseph Grant made it seven-one.

Chalfont St Peter continued their good run, going seven matches unbeaten- but goodness they did it the hard way, only earning a point against Hanwell Town when Adam Morris scored deep into added time. Dan Fleming had earlier given the Saints the lead, but first Harvey Killeen then Tom Collins- four in two matches for him- had put Hanwell in the driving seat.

We had a shock in the Velocity Trophy Second Round, as Hythe Town turned around a half time deficit to dump out Premier Division high flyers Bognor. Tommy Scutt gave the Rocks a tenth minute lead, but Jack Sammoutis equalised sixteen minutes after the break and Zak Ansah scored a late winner. Felixstowe and Walton United beat Northwood 3-1, with goals from Rhys Henry, Jack Ainsley and Joseph Francis. Daniel Newton replied for Woods.

Tonight Leatherhead entertain Hitchin Town in an FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round Replay, whilst back in the league FC Romania host Tooting & Mitcham United. Good luck to the Tanners, who will host Solihull Moors- in fifth place in the National League- in the First Round should they triumph.