Another clean sheet for Hampton

By Peter Butcher

HAMPTON have made an impressive start to their bid to regain Conference South status at the first attempt. They have scored only five goals in four games but, coupled with an unblemished defensive record, they have been worth ten points and, now, first pl

They moved to the head of affairs today (Monday) with a 1-0 home victory over Thurrock. Charlie Moone got the decisive goal seven minutes before the break.

Lowestoft forfeited their 100 per cent record at Margate, where they led at half-time but were beaten 2-1. Jack Defty’s 41st-minute goal was wiped out by Tommy Whitnell on the hour (pictured by Don Walker) and Sam Long hit the winner five minutes later.

Kingstonian are up to third after netting three unanswered goals at Concord. They took command with two goals in as many minutes either side of the half-hour mark from Andre McCollin and Matt Pattison, with McCollin striking again in the 64th minute.

Tom Bullard became the first player to score against Canvey this season and his 34th-minute goal was enough to give Bury a 1-0 home victory which lifted them to fourth spot.

Wingate collected their first points of the season, also with a 1-0 home win. Carshalton were the victims thanks to Leon Smith’s strike on the hour.

The fourth such result in the division came at Lewes, who recorded their first victory at the expense of Wealdstone. A Karl Beckford penalty nine minutes from time settled the issue.

Hastings were yet another team to come out on top with a lone goal, in their case away from home at Harrow. Brad Goldberg was the marksman soon after the interval.

Enfield Town defender Mark Kirby continued his goalscoring form with a 14th-minute opener at Met Police. Ty Smith equalised on 23 minutes and Howard Newton put the Met ahead five minutes before half-time, only for Neil Johnston to reply immediately. Four goals in the first half, none in the second, and it finished 2-2.

Cray took a third-minute lead through Mark Willy at East Thurrock, who made it 1-1 through Reiss Gilbey in the 55th minute.

It was the same scoreline at Leiston, who are still seeking their maiden Premier victory. Danny Thrower’s goal in the 69th minute threatened to break that duck, but Steve Harper replied with nine minutes left.

There were no goals at Whitehawk, a result which leaves visitors Hendon propping up the table.

Where next?

Casuals wobble after Jelly strikes THERE were four FA Cup replays involving Ryman League clubs tonight (Tuesday), but the match of the day turned out to be the only league game as Three Bridges came from 4-1 down to snatch a Ryman South point at Corinthian-Casuals.
Anvils march on at the top CRAWLEY DOWN continued their perfect start to the Ryman South season with a 3-1 home win over Dulwich in the battle of the top two in the table. The Anvils, who have scored 12 goals in their three league games, were well worth their success.

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