Wanderers and Rooks come from behind to win, Hawks shock K’s, whilst Nuts and Bolts get seven!

Haringey Borough surprised the Bostik world by losing at Harlow Town last weekend, their thirteen match unbeaten run- which included twelve victories- coming to what manager Tom Loizou described as a deserved end. Back at Coles Park today the visitors were newly-strengthened Margate, who came into the match on a run of their own, five matches without a victory. The first action of note was a red card for Borough’s Gerogios Aresti, so perhaps we’d have a second shock in two matches? It looked as if Margate would take at least a point, but it wasn’t to be as Ralston Gabriel found the net three minutes from time to maintain their lead at the Premier Division summit.

Borough were hoping that Harlow could deliver a shock two weeks in a row, the Hawks travelling to second place Dorking Wanderers- and my goodness, they tried to oblige! Marc White’s side came into the match having found form once more, walloping Worthing on Tuesday evening, and they started this game as they ended the last one, Tom Richards putting them ahead in the eighth minute. The Wanderers lead lasted only twelve minutes before Matt Foy equalised, and the Hawks went ahead after the break through Emile Acquah, before David Ray drew the home side level.

Harlow weren’t done. Foy got another to put them in front once more, but with eleven minutes to go Ray got his second, before in the very last minute Matt Briggs and Luke Moore sent the home crowd wild by scoring twice to secure a 5-3 victory.

Third place Lewes had some bad news earlier this week, losing the influential Steve Brinkhurst to a season-ending injury- but otherwise should have been in confident mood after their 4-3 win at Worthing. Their opponents, Wingate & Finchley, were in contrast coming into the game having just lost their third manager of the season and on a run of three straight defeats. Despite all of that, it was the Blues who took the lead, through Ahmet Rifat in the eleventh minute, and they were two-up after the break when an own goal gave the Rooks an uphill task. They took to it well, however, Frankie Chappell and Jonte Smith drawing them level, and then a Callum Overton double in the last eight minutes sent most of the 516 in attendance home happy.

Kingstonian knew that victory over bottom club Whitehawk could see them climb as high as second place, whilst the Hawks would stay bottom whatever happened- but the Sussex side, who brought in three reinforcements this week including returning hero John Paul George and Ringo Kissock, were determined not to be pushovers. Elliott Buchanan got K’s opening goal on the quarter hour, but Lucas Rodrigues equalised for Whitehawk twelve minutes later and on the half hour Henry Muggeridge shocked the home side by putting Hawks ahead. It got worse for K’s soon afterwards, as Sinn’Kaye Christie made it three, and that’s how it finished. The Hawks move within three points of Harlow, and within four points of Wingate & Finchley and Burgess Hill Town.

Bognor Regis Town and opponents Potters Bar Town have both strengthened this week- the Rocks because they keep losing central defenders at an alarming rate. With three wins from four the home side had to be the favourites, particularly as the Scholars had lost their previous five- and Jimmy Muitt gave them the lead just after the half hour. Muitt got his sides second five minutes after the break, but they didn’t have time to enjoy their dominance, as Ben Ward-Cochrane managed to score twice in ten minutes to draw his side level and earn them a point.

We had a battle between two of our form sides at the Taydal, where Brightlingsea Regent were taking on Folkestone Invicta. Regent went in front in the very first minute, Jordan Barnett finding the net- and it was two only four minutes later, Aaron Condon leaving Invicta stunned. Harry Morgan got a red card for the home side deep into the second half, but it made no difference to the outcome.

Enfield Town had seen their run of four straight victories come to an end with a draw against Margate and a loss to Merstham, but they had managed a 4-1 thumping of Burgess Hill Town in the Velocity Trophy on Tuesday night so undoubtedly hoped to take that form into today’s match with Corinthian-Casuals. The match was delayed with time almost up and no goals scored due to an injury to the referee, and when it did resume Casuals grabbed a goal, Gabriel Odunaike finding the net- and they had time for a second, too, from Warren Mfula.

Tonbridge Angels got back to winning ways against Kingstonian last weekend, and travelled to a Bishop’s Stortford side who had lost five of their last six- although who picked up a penalty shootout victory at Merstham midweek. Angels were ahead inside ten minutes from Joe Turner, but their lead didn’t last long, Ben Worman equalising for the home side- and the Blues were ahead soon afterwards, Jamie Cureton- no surprise there- finding the net. Two minutes into the second half Chinedu Mckenzie made it 2-2, and Turner put Angels ahead once more shortly afterwards before Mckenzie became the second Angels player to get a brace. Johnville Renee made it 3-4 before the end, but Angels held on to claim the points.

It took only seven minutes for Michael Dixon to put Carshalton Athletic ahead against Merstham, but Ollie Cook drew the Moatsiders level in the twentieth minute. They may have been level in goals but they were soon behind in numbers, however, Tom Kavanagh getting his marching orders shortly after the equaliser, but it didn’t seem to make much difference to Merstham’s approach, Walter Figueira putting them ahead before the break- and the away side held on to take all three points, and move up to fifth.

On Bridge Avenue AFC Hornchurch gave a start to former Crawley Town man Glenn Wilson, whilst Hillians introduced one of their new signings, former Worthing man Jared Rance. The Urchins took the lead through Lee Prescott midway through the first half, and George Purcell made it two ten minutes before the break- and that’s how it ended.

Worthing travelled to Leatherhead looking to get their season back on track, and returnee Zack Newton, newly arrived for around the seventeenth time (that might be a slight exaggeration) gave them the lead on 22 minutes. Ibrahim Olutade equalised ten minutes after the break, in a game which was badly delayed due to a head injury to Jasper Pattenden (get well soon Jasper), and the Tanners were able to take the points courtesy of a late winner from Shaun Okojie. The away side saw Alex Parsons sent off.

North Division

Leaders Bowers & Pitsea knew that unless Heybridge Swifts could somehow overturn a thirteen goal deficit they would still be leaders at 5PM, but it looked as if they might have to work hard for three points, as their visitors were fifth place Coggeshall Town. Callum Leahy gave the home side the lead early on, but the Seed Growers weren’t about to give up and Nnamdi Nwachuku drew them level shortly after the break. Lewis Manor made it advantage Bowers once more, but again Coggeshall drew level, Nwachukwu scoring his second. Manor had the last word, however, making it 3-2 and allowing Bowers to go six points clear.

The reason the gap was six points was that Swifts fell to defeat at Soham Town Rangers. They were shocked as Rangers went ahead through Sam Mulready, and although Kreshnic Krasniqi drew Julian Dicks side level, Callum Russell got two after the break to make it 3-1.

Another of the promotion contenders, Aveley, travelled to bottom side Dereham Town- and Andrew Freeman gave them the lead just before the break, only for Matthew Castellan to equalise eighteen minutes from time. Aveley drop to third, Dereham close the gap at the bottom to three points.

Maldon & Tiptree were hoping to get back to winning ways after a draw the last time out- and they did so in style, moving to second place. Hosting a Mildenhall Town side sitting third from bottom, the Jammers were three goals to the good before half time, Jorome Slew and a Kojo Awotwi double making the difference, and after the break Michael Brothers and Slew's second made it five. Jarid Robson got a consolation for Hall.

There was a seven point gap between the last playoff place and the rest, and the side who were top of the rest at start of play were Grays Athletic, who welcomed the magic of Disney to Parkside today in the shape of a large number of recognisable mascots. Witham Town were the visitors, and whilst they might not be happy ever after they’ll certainly be happy tonight, a Kevin Coyle goal giving them victory.

AFC Sudbury hosted form side Tilbury, the visitors having won seven of their last ten and lost only once- and a Lewis Smith first half hat trick put the Dockers firmly in the driving seat, despite a Joe Whight equaliser. The second half was all yellow, however, Reece Harris, Tom Dettmar and Billy Holland turning the seven goal thriller in Sudbury’s favour.

Bury Town had seen their promotion challenge stall with only two wins from their last eight, and welcomed a Felixstowe and Walton United side who lost 3-2 to Aveley last time out. Two goals in three first half minutes from Ryley Scott and Jake Chambers Shaw got the Ram Meadow fans singing, and they were still singing at the end as they were the only goals of the match.

Canvey Island travelled to Barking, and goals from Adam Vyse and Frankie Merrifield put them two up at the break. Martin Tuohy made it three twenty-three minutes from time, and although Tobi Joseph got a late goal for Barking that was all the home side had to show for their efforts.

Romford went into their one thousandth league match- away at Great Wakering Rovers- hoping for a repeat of their 3-0 victory in the first match of this season. They desperately needed the points, and Reece Hewitt gave them the lead early in the second half, but theu couldn’t hold onto it and Joshua Wiggins and Billy Johnson made it a home win.

Finally, Basildon United were desperate for a win, having not had one since 29th September. Their visitors were Brentwood Town, and it was the Bees who got their wings in front, Jeffrey Cobblah and Matheus Santos giving them a two goal lead at the break. Tony Stokes pulled one back early in the second half, but it wasn’t enough, so there were finally laughs all around the Ho-Ho Stadium at full time.

South Central

The first question asked about the South Central Division lately seems to be “how many did Hayes and Yeading get this week.” The answer on this occasion was four. It took fifteen minutes before Toby Little gave them the lead, and the same player made it two six minutes before the break. Scott Donnelly and Tom Jelley scored in the second half as visitors Chalfont St Peter couldn’t find an opening.

Second place Bracknell Town knew that they’d need only a draw to remain second, given that the only club who could overhaul them for that spot were visitors Cheshunt. The Ambers came into the match unbeaten in six, a run which included four victories- but fell behind to a David Hancock goal midway through the first half, however they equalised through Jason Hallett after the break.

Former leaders Marlow, who started the day in fourth place, entertained Bedfont Sports- and went ahead through James Clarke in the twenty fourth minute. That turned out to be the only goal of the game, but it was enough to send them up to third.

Westfield, with seven wins from their last ten, were firm favourites to defeat a Chipstead side who travelled to Woking on the back of five defeats in six. They showed why they were favourites when Tinashe Nkoma scored within five minutes of kick off, and half an hour later Antonios Kozakis made it 2-0. That’s how it remained, as Cheshunt proved more resolute for the rest of the match but couldn’t get back into it.

Waltham Abbey must have thought that three wins in succession had dragged them out of their mid-season slump, but then they went and lost three in a row- so victory over second bottom Egham Town was a must if they were to get their promotion bid back on track. It didn’t start well. Brandon McCarthy put the Sarnies ahead in the twenty-fifth minute, but Jack Stevenson and Christian Assombalonga struck back after the break to give the Abbotts something to sing about.

Great Evans scored South Park’s first goal in victory over Egham Town in midweek, and he did it again against Hertford Town- and then got a second four minutes later. Jay Lovell got one back for Town, but Andrew Herring made it 3-2 to the Whitehall Lane side, and despite Elliott Bailey reducing the arrears the Sparks held on for their second win this week.

Ware have been in good form recently, but it looked as if it had come to an end as Daniel Pett gave Northwood the lead. Conrad Kweku Lucan made it two midway through the half, but the home side roared back and Brandon Adams and Albert Adu levelled matters. Then in the very last minute, the drama of an own goal gave Woods the win.

Two goals in two minutes midway through the first half gave Ashford Town the advantage at FC Romania, James Cottee getting them both- and that’s how it stayed, the Tangerines moving up to seventh.

At Molesey, the bottom side needed victory against Uxbridge, but a goal from Luke Maguire six minutes before the break put the away side ahead, before Tyrone Pink made it two only two minutes later. It got much worse for the Moles after the break, Pink getting his second before a double from Mitchell Wiseman made it 5-0.

Tooting and Mitcham United drew 0-0 with Hanwell Town at Imperial Fields.

South East

The first match of the day saw Haywards Heath Town entertain Guernsey, and the away side surprised the Hanbury Park faithful by scoring two second half goals- both coming from Thomas Dodds. Callum Saunders pulled a goal back from the spot with six minutes to go, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Green Lions leaving with the points.

Leaders Cray Wanderers waited half an hour before taking their customary lead, this time at home against VCD Athletic. Freddie Parker got their opening goal, and Ben Mundele made it 2-0 soon after the break. VCD weren’t down and out, and former Wand Charlie MacDonald reduced the arrears on the hour, but a minute from time Tom Phipp made a home win certain. Archie Johnson and Tyrone Guthrie picked up red cards, one for each side.

Ramsgate got the first goal of the three o’clock matches, Aaron Millbank opening the scoring against Sittingbourne after just two minutes. Former Brickies favourite Kane Rowland made it two only five minutes later, and two more in the second half- Rory Smith and Tom Chapman with them- gave the Rams a comfortable win.

Danny Parish has been in marvellous form since joining Ashford United, and continued in the same way as the Nuts and Bolts took on Greenwich Borough, opening the scoring in the 9th minute. Tom Carlse doubled the lead before the break, and in the second half United went goal mad, wiping the floor with poor Borough by scoring another five to win SEVEN-nil. The seven goals were scored by seven different players, as Mohammed Kamara, Bode Anidugbe, Josh Wisson, Sam Corne and Usman Adeniji filled their boots.

Whyteleafe announced two new signings in the run up to their match at Hastings United, and gave one of them, Andre McCollin, his first start for the club. It was United who started the better, however, and Jordy Mongoy gave them a thirteenth minute lead, before going on to record a hat trick with two more in the second half as Hastings recorded a 3-0 victory which keeps them ten points behind Cray. Ashford are third, a point ahead of Horsham, who fell to a one-nil defeat at Phoenix Sports, Alex Teniola with the only goal of the match. Leafe remain fifth.

Hythe Town took on Sevenoaks Town, and both sides had a man sent off- Ryan Palmer for the hosts and Dan Parkinson for the visitors- but neither could score a goal. Hythe are seventh, Oaks tenth.

The East Grinstead v Three Bridges derby saw four goals in the first half- two for each side. Brannon O’Neill gave Bridges the lead, only for Mitchell Chapman to strike twice to turn the match on its head. Joe Tennent still had time to draw Bridges level before the break. It then saw four more goals in the second half, again two for each side, as Antone Douglas gave Bridges the advantage only for George Landais to equalise, before Greg Cundle gave the Wasps control only for Tennent to do in the last minute of the second half exactly what he’d done in the last minute of the first. Four-four, and the 145 at College Lane certainly got value for money.

Jordan Wright gave Whitstable Town the lead at home to Faversham Town, but it lasted only a quarter of an hour as Ashley Miller found an equaliser, and David Cook put the away side ahead before the break. That was how it ended, and Faversham climb to sixteenth.