Saturday's Ryman Premier action review

By David Watters

Ryman League Premier Division

Ryman Premier leaders Maidstone United were held to a 1-1 draw at the Gallagher Stadium by relegation-threatened Witham Town on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

A crowd of 1,865 saw the Stones lead through Jay May's goal right on the stroke of half-time until the very last minute when substitute John Watson popped up with the Essex side's equaliser.

With Margate's game at Metropolitan Police called off as one of the victims of the westher, Dulwich Hamlet moved into second spot after winning 3-1 at bottom-markers Bury Town.

Serge Makofo gave Hamlet the lead on the half-time whistle. But seven minutes after the restart, Remi Garrett pulled the Blues back on level terms. Harry Ottaway restored the visitors' lead with 15 minutes to go and then Ethan Pinnock added a third nine minutes later.

Hendon's game was also off, but fifth-placed East Thurrock United were beaten 3-1 at Longmead by struggling Tonbridge Angels.

Tommy Whitnell bagged a brace for Steve McKimm`s side after 12 and 23 minutes. Joe Taylor increased their advantage to three right on half-time, with all the Rocks could muster being a 75th minute Ellis Brown effort after coming off the bench.

Kingstonian improved their play-off hopes with a best of five win at Kingsmeadow against another contender, Wingate & Finchley.

Malachi Hudson gave the home side a seventh minute lead that Ola Sogbanmu cancelled out six minutes later. Ahmet Rifat then gave Wingate the lead after 39 minutes but it lasted barely three minutes as Charlie Penny equalised and then bagged the winner in the last minute of normal time.

Leiston are a point behind K`s now and would have expected more than one point from their visit to second-bottom VCD Athletic.

The Vickers took a 17th minute lead through Stephen Rhys Brown but the visitors turned that round to lead through a Joe Francis double after 39 and 54 minutes. Nick Reeves levelled on the hour-mark and they held on for a point, despite losing Sevdar Bokciu to a second yellow card a minute from time.

That point took VCD level with Harrow Borough, who were beaten 2-0 at Nyewood Lane by Bognor Regis Town, whose goals came from Jason Prior after 26 minutes and then Ollie Pearce 10 minutes from time.

Lewes possess a five-point cushion from the drop zone but were beaten in the Sussex derby at Peacehaven & Telscombe.

Jamie Brotherton`s 44th minute spot-kick and then Wilfred Grimaud on 65 minutes were the Haven marksmen.

Elsewhere, Enfield Town enjoyed a good 4-0 win at the QEII against Billericay Town, courtesy of goals from Corey Whitely after 32 minutes, a brace from impressive recent recruit Bobby Devyne on 44 and 52 minutes and Jordan Lockie six minutes from time.

Leatherhead won 3-1 at Fetcham Grove against Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Carl Rook gave the Tanners a 39th minute lead that Charlie Moone levelled just before the break. But a brace from Vasieleious Karagiannis in the 55th and 85th minutes sealed victory for the hosts.

Canvey Island and Grays Athletic shared a 1-1 draw at the Prospects Stadium, although the visitors left it late after on-loan George Sykes had given the Gulls a 42nd minute lead – Manny Parry levelling two minutes from time.

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