Round Up from Saturday 16 Feb 2019

The generally good weather kept up last Saturday, leaving a full programme of Premier Division games to take place.

The top match was the 1st v 2nd clash between SCR and Chertsey Town, played at Chertsey. In the end the sides could not be separated, the result being a 2-2 draw. Twice Chertsey took the lead only for SCR to instantly peg them back on both occasions. The match was witnessed by a fine crowd of 238.

3rd place Banstead dropped back to fourth following their home defeat against Horley Town (0-2) leaving Abbey Rangers to take over that position following their feisty 1-0 win at Redhill.

At the other end the great Walton & Hersham “escape” continued as they won 4-3 at Guildford City, leaving AFC Hayes the current tenants of 20th place, their recent better form seemingly deserting them as they lost 0-2 at Camberley. Badshot Lea have also hit some improved form and their 2-1 win at CB Hounslow kept them moving up the table.

It was a disappointing match for Sheerwater who tangled with cup holders Nottsborough in the Quarter Finals of the Surrey Premier Cup. The match was drawn one apiece and went straight to penalties but sadly Sheers lost the penalty lottery by 6 goals to 5.

In Division One itself, the one definite promotion place remains far from settled, with just three points separating the top four. Although they are now eight points behind their nearest rivals, Farnham Town, in 5th place cannot be ignored as they have games in hand over all the top four.

There were plenty of goals at Eversley & California and it must have been frustrating for the home side as when you score five you normally expect to win. Visitors FC Deportivo Galicia have been revitalised in recent games and went one better with six goals.

Cove did their chances of avoiding relegation to Step 7 no harm at all with their 5-1 win at Dorking Wanderers Reserves. There remains just three points though between the bottom four.

Sadly certain of our clubs fell foul of the rules earlier in the season when they failed to follow up emailed registrations with the original form which has to be with the Registration Secretary within five days. The clubs involved were fined at a previous Management Meeting but no points deductions were made because CB Hounslow exercised their right to appeal to the FA concerning the sanctions applied. That appeal has now been heard and the club lost the appeal, as a result of which the points deductions involved have now been incorporated into the table.

The League is asking the FA to consider changing this rule for next season as in modern times it seems unnecessary for a form to be posted after it has been sent by email.