Worthing win top four battle, whilst Casuals shock Rocks- and U’s get five!

Worthing climbed to third in the Bostik Premier Division table last night with an emphatic victory at Enfield Town- but all seem to agree that the margin of victory was amplified by the sending off of Sam Hatton for the home side. Enfield forced the Mackerel Men on the defensive in the first half, yet reached the interval behind after Jesse Starkey got a goal on the break. Hatton received his marching orders three minutes into the second period, and Worthing made their extra man count, with David Ajiboye grabbing two and Zack Newton picking up another. Billy Bricknell scored from the spot for the home side.

That’s four straight league wins for Adam Hinshelwood’s side, and victory number five on the road, where they are still unbeaten.

Worthing’s Sussex rivals Bognor didn’t have such a good night. Chasing a victory which could have seen them go fourth, not only were they unable to break down Corinthian-Casuals but they suffered a sucker punch three minutes from time, as Gabriel Odunaike popped up to take all three points back to Tolworth. Bognor are in a bit of a slump, having now not managed a victory since defeating Tonbridge Angels exactly a month earlier.

Making it three away wins out of three in the Premier Division, a goal from Charlie Cole just before the break earned Wingate & Finchley the points at Brightlingsea Regent. The away side climb to thirteenth, whilst Regent are eighteenth.

Hastings United got back to winning ways in the South East Division, the second place side closing the gap on Cray Wanderers to seven points with an emphatic victory over a sorry Herne Bay. Yousouf Bamba and Daniel Ajakaiye gave them a two goal cushion within twelve minutes, with three more goals- from Sam Adams, Jack Dixon and Lanre Azeez- coming after the break. Bay have now lost their last four league matches, and still have only one league victory all season.

Ashford United’s slump, in contrast, seems to be over. Gary Alexander went back to Greenwich Borough last night and left with all of the points, Harry Ottaway’s first half double increased by Sam Corne after the break to give the Nuts and Bolts their second win in a row.

We had but one match in the South Central Division, and it had three goals- all of which came in the last nineteen minutes. First an own goal gave FC Romania the lead at Ashford Town, but the Tangerines still had time to bounce back, with Mark Bitmead equalising eight minutes from time and Max Webb popping up with a last minute winner.

In the FA Trophy neither of our sides emerged victorious, Chipstead falling 2-0 at Bedford Town whilst Brentwood Town fell 4-1 at Poole Town. Alfie Hilton got their goal.

Finally, we had one match in the Velocity Trophy. We should have had two, but Hayes & Yeading United were unable to get to Folkestone Invicta when a nasty crash blocked the M20. Cheshunt, however, were able to get to Whitstable Town, and took part in a seven goal thriller, a hat trick from Stephen Smith contributing to a four-three victory for the home side. Asher Silverman, Giuseppe Re and Hafeez Sanusi recovered a deficit for the Ambers, but Chris Saunders was able to grab a winner three minutes from time.

Tonight we have two matches in the Premier Division. Leatherhead host Kingstonian, whilst Merstham entertain Margate.