Oystermen on the march

By Peter Butcher

AFTER losing their first three Ryman South games of the season, Whitstable have taken seven points from their next three and find themselves comfortably in the top half of the table.

They wasted no time in taking the lead at Walton Casuals yesterday (Saturday) when Stuart Vahid netted from close range in the first minute, and went on to win 3-0 thanks to a pair of Nicky Southall free-kicks, the first in the 38th minute (pictured by Les Biggs as it whistles past Casuals keeper Sean Bradley) and the second in added time at the end of the game, following an offence for which Harry Wise was dismissed.

Crawley Down were held to a 1-1 draw at Faversham but doubled their lead at the top of the table. Dan Lawrence scored a fine individual goal to put the hosts in front after 34 minutes. Baff Addae levelled it five minutes after half-time but a red card for Gabriel Odunaike dented the Anvils’ search for a winner.

They remain on top because Walton & Hersham, who would have taken over with a victory, were beaten 2-1 at Herne Bay. The damage was done in four minutes around the hour mark, when James Turner put the hosts in front and Daniel Sintim’s own goal made it 2-0. Phil Williams pulled one back on 72 minutes but Bay defended well to hang on to their lead and move up to fifth place.

Burgess Hill are up to fourth after coming from behind to beat visitors Sittingbourne 2-1. Luke Girt struck for the Brickies after five minutes and they almost retained the lead until half-time. But Nicky Wheeler equalised right at the end of the half and, after missing plenty of chances, Hillians claimed victory through Ryan Thompson in the 80th minute.

Third-placed Folkestone remain in that position and will be disappointed not to have done better than a goalless home draw with bottom club Corinthian-Casuals. The visitors actually had the best chance, but Joel Thompson miskicked with an empty net ahead of him.

Tooting gained a welcome victory, and one that looked unlikely when they found themselves 2-0 down after 14 minutes at Three Bridges. Marcus Elliott and Elliott Romain were the early marksmen, but Sol Pinnock’s 19th-minute reply revived Tooting’s hopes. They drew level midway through the second half with a lob from Lee Hall and snatched a 3-2 win with a shot from Taurean Roberts in the 89th minute.

Worthing have had a disappointing start to the season but they struck form with a 3-0 win at Merstham triggered by Steve Metcalf’s spectacular overhead kick in the 17th minute. Late goals from Tom Lawley and Matt Daniel clinched three welcome points.

Where next?

No joy in Sunday ties Heybridge were edged out 3-2 at Conference side Hayes & Yeading in Sunday's FA Cup tie at Woking.
Hastings pull off FA Cup shock HASTINGS UNITED produced the Ryman League’s result of the day in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup, coming from behind to win 3-2 at Conference South club Staines.

The Pitching In Isthmian Football League newsletter

Keep up-to-date with our exclusive email newsletters.

Subscribe