Round Up Saturday 1 April 2017

Hartley Wintney ensured back to back titles at the weekend, a point in a 0-0 draw at Chertsey enough to secure the impressive feat. It was perhaps a nervous game for the top side, but they did enough in the end – the title secured with 5 games still to play. As it happened regardless of the result at Chertsey, Hartley would have been champions anyway after closest rivals Westfield slipped up at Abbey Rangers, losing 1-0. A goal 6 minutes in from Jordan Timbrell was enough with Abbey Rangers now undefeated in their last 8 games.

Overall it was a day of strange results with none of the top sides winning – including 3rd place Hanworth Villa being defeated at home to Windsor 2-1. The Villains had been ahead with 20 minutes to go but the visitors equalised from a corner before snatching a late winner courtesy of George Gould.

With Walton & Hersham not in action not even 5th place Epsom & Ewell could win, going down 2-0 at Camberley. Both goals came from set pieces as Camberley secured their third straight win, moving within 4 points of the Salts with a game in hand.

Towards the bottom of the league Colliers Wood United finally made moves to pull themselves away from danger, beating an inconsistent Knaphill side 1-0.

Bottom side Bedfont & Feltham now cannot mathematically escape the 3 team relegation zone, being 16 points from safety with just 4 games to play. This came after a 2-1 home defeat against Spelthorne Sports, Luke Richards getting both the goals as Spelly move up to 10th.

Raynes Park Vale too are relegated, going down 2-0 at AFC Hayes meaning they can’t make up the points difference to CB Hounslow, who beat Farnham Town 1-0. After 4 straight defeats a win for CB was vital to keep their relegation fears away. This was bad news for Badshot Lea, who despite getting a credible 1-1 draw at Horley are now 8 points adrift of safety and in deep trouble. To survive at least 3 of their last 4 games would need to be victories, with other results also needed to go their way.

North Greenford United and Bedfont Sports are both safe in mid-table, and played out a 1-1 draw, both goals coming in the first half in that one. Elsewhere in the Premier Division Sutton Common Rovers held Guildford City to a 2-2 draw, having been 2 goals down early on.

In Division One all eyes were on the game between the two top sides, Redhill and Banstead Athletic. In a game many would have said would guarantee goals, surprisingly the result was a 0-0 draw! Both sides had good chances late on but neither could find the breakthrough, Athletic still in control of the title race as a result.

Eversley & California saw their promotion hopes take a blow when they were handed a 3-1 beating at home to Balham, who leapfrog them into 5th place in the table.

Worcester Park have been an entertaining side to watch all season but suffered a 5-0 defeat last week, giving them a tough task against Staines Lammas this Saturday. They bounced back well however, securing a 2-0 win to move level on points with AC London.

The high scoring game of the day came at Chalky Lane, where tenants Epsom Athletic were hammered 7-0 by Farleigh Rovers. Rovers are now just 3 points off 15th placed Dorking, who were beaten 3-1 at Ash despite the hosts being reduced to 10 men.

Cove couldn’t make up any ground after losing 3-1 at home to Cobham, the Surrey side ending a run of 7 long games without victory. Elsewhere in Division One Sheerwater were 2-1 victors at South Park Reserves.