Hendon retain their perfect record- whilst the Yellas go sixth with four

Hendon looked to continue their fine start to their season as they welcomed Bedfont Sports in Pitching In Isthmian South Central. Prior to the arrival of last night’s visitors they had played four matches in all competitions, winning them all, and scored a sensational eighteen goals in the process- so perhaps it wasn’t a surprise when goal number nineteen arrived early, Jordan Williams scoring it on seventeen minutes. What was more surprising is that there were no further goals, from either side- but Hendon are second, with a perfect record and only behind leaders Winchester City on goal difference. 

Bognor Regis Town were on the road, making the short trip to Littlehampton Town for a seaside special. The Rocks were licking their wounds after being dumped out of the FA Cup on their own patch by Step Five East Grinstead Town on Saturday, but were in good form prior to that and expected to quickly return to that level, whilst the hosting Golds had lost each of their previous three competitive matches by three goals to one. 

The eight hundred and twenty eight packed into the Sportsfield didn’t have a great deal to shout about during a goalless first half, and when the shouting started it was the visiting fans making the noise, Ollie Lovell putting their side ahead twelve minutes from time. The shouting from the away end continued at full time, three points secured and the Rocks up to third. 

The Golds are second from bottom. 

Ashford Town and Cobham, both Combined Counties champions last season, had each only managed one League match prior to last night, with a win for the Tangerines and a loss for their visitors. Cobham, therefore, were looking for a first Step Four win, and they were quickly ahead courtesy of Nicolas Osborne. The Tangerines were soon level, Jack Arnold delivering the equaliser just before the half hour, but the visitors delivered a quick one-two- or, in reality, a two-three- early in the second half, Ryan Marklew restoring their lead and Dean Rule extending it. A minute from time Elliott Poley brought it back to two-three, but that was as good as it got for the home fans, Cobham departing with the points. 

Hayes and Yeading United and their visitors Raynes Park Vale had experienced rather different starts to the season. United had played only once in the League prior to last night- a draw with Bedfont Sports- but had won three knockout matches; whilst Vale started the season with positive performances in League and Cup but had since suffered two hammerings, seven-nil against Hendon and, on Saturday, a rather embarrassing five-one Cup defeat to Southern Counties East Premier side Petts Wood and Holmesdale. 

The visitors reinforced their squad with a collection of new signings prior to the match, and ringing the changes seemed to suit them as they went ahead on twenty five minutes, one of those arrivals, Simon Cooper, with the opener. Nathaniel Boakye made it two-nil to the visitors with twenty two minutes remaining, and they held on to return to winning ways- and to climb to fourth. 

Ascot United played host to Binfield, both sides looking for their first League victory of the campaign. The Yellas had experienced a fairly positive start to the season nonetheless, winning both of their Cup matches and drawing against Kingstonian, with only Bedfont Sports taking three points from them; whilst the Moles had lost each of their three prior matches in League and Cup. 

The Yellas went ahead just before half time, Quaye Vine scoring from the spot, and in added time before the break they made an addition to the scoreline, Kai Zini making it two-nil. Early in the second half the hosts added a third, Fope Deru surely putting them out of sight by chipping the keeper, and they weren’t finished, Elijah Anthony making it four just before the end. That was that, Ascot up to sixth, their visitors left propping up the rest. 

Our image comes from Shooting Stars Photography.

Hartley Wintney, AFC Stoneham, Westfield and AFC Portchester were in FA Cup action. The Row departed the competition after a one-nil defeat against Baffins Milton Rovers, whilst Westfield were impressive in Sussex, defeating Hassocks three-nil. Sam Folarin put the visitors ahead on twenty three minutes, Alex Cruickshank added a second early in the second half, and ten minutes time Aderi Dede added a third.

AFC Stoneham were also on the road, in Badshot Lea, and goals from Tyrell Sampson and Duarte Martins- the latter from the spot- sent them through, whilst Portchester travelled to Westbury United and the sides were finally separated after extra time, Archie Willcox popping up on one hundred and nineteen minutes to deliver a winner for the Royals.