Easter Monday's Ryman Premier action review

By David Watters

With just four games of the Ryman Premier season to go for leaders Hampton & Richmond Borough, they possess a four-point lead over second-placed East Thurrock United after both won at home on Easter Monday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

The Beavers, in front of a crowd of 707, beat Leatherhead 2-0 at the Beveree with Nicke Kabamba giving them a 66th minute break through and Jamal Lowe making sure with a second four minutes from time.

The Rocks beat Grays Athletic 3-0 at Rookery Hill with top scorer Sam Higgins taking his personal tally for the season to date to 33 with a brace in the 15th and 25th minutes, Tom Wraight sandwiching the other on 23 minutes.

A blistering opening 10 minutes saw two goals from Dipo Akinyemi ultimately win the match for fifth-placed Dulwich Hamlet at Champion Hill against third-placed Tonbridge Angels.

In front of a crowd of 1,434, Hamlet were ahead in the third minute when Roman Michael-Percil ran at the visitors` defence and showed composure as he set up the unmarked Dipo Akinyemi to fire home.

Dulwich doubled their lead just seven minutes later, Nyren Clunis accelerating past his marker and delivered a cross to the far post. Akinyemi's header was brilliantly saved by Di Bernardo but the ball popped up and Akinyemi nodded the ball into the empty net. With 20 minutes remaining Tonbridge pulled a goal back when Luke Allen finished emphatically.

Enfield Town are just four points behind Dulwich after winning 2-1 at third-bottom Brentwood Town.

Harry Ottaway gave the visitors a 37th minute lead that Marcus Milner cancelled out six minutes after the break but on 66 minutes Harold Joseph popped up with Enfield's winner.

Enfield went above Leiston, who were held at a windy Victory Road by fellow play-off chasers Billericay Town who now sit four points outside the play-offs but with just four games remaining.

A dominant first half saw Joe Jefford fire the hosts in front after 43 minutes but the Blues were punished for not taking their chances when Tom Derry netted a fine 54th minute equaliser.

VCD Athletic look doomed after losing 3-0 at home to Staines Town.

It wasn`t a happy day for the hosts, who had Frantz Tchonang sent-off after just 10 minutes – Daniel Brown punishing them further with the opening goal. Jonathan Hippolyte added a second immediately after the break with Pat Cox making it 3-0 in the 64th minute.

At Nyewood Lane, FA Trophy semi-finalists Bognor Regis Town earned another win to put the disappointment of not reaching Wembley behind them and keep their late bid for promotion going, Jamie Howell's side emerging as 2-1 winners over Burgess Hill Town.

Jason Prior put the Rocks ahead on 25 minutes and struck again from the spot with four minutes of normal time remaining to bag all three points after Lee Harding's 73rd minute leveller for the Hillians.

The two other Easter Monday games ended in draws but with Lewes climbed off bottom spot.

The Rooks are still eleven points behind the safety-mark though with only four games to go after managing a battling 2-2 draw at mid-table Merstham.

They led through Rhys Smith`s early fourth minute effort and then added a second four minutes into the second half from Leon Redwood.

The Moatsiders roared back to score two goals in five minutes midway through the second half from Charlie Penny and Calum Willock.

And the derby between Wingate & Finchley and Hendon finished 1-1 with Billy Healey giving the hosts the boost of a first minute lead that they couldn`t capitalise, Dave Diedhiou equalising in the 21st minute.

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Where next?

Easter Monday's Ryman South action review Ryman South champions Folkestone Invicta, the first senior Non-League side to clinch a title this season when they beat Walton & Hersham 6-0 on Good Friday, were not in the mood to do anyone any favours on Easter Monday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.
Log on for Easter Monday's action! Follow Easter Bank Holiday Monday's action on the Ryman League's live scores service.

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