Musings for Saturday 19 March

Game of the day Premier Division wise on Saturday looked to be the Ashford Town versus Camberley Town, second against fourth, encounter over at Short Lane what with both clubs seeking to pip existing leaders Hartley Wintney to land the hugely, keenly fought title race come end of the current season. The 'Row', also known as Hartley Wintney, on this same day, found themselves paired against, on paper, a most unpredictable Colliers Wood United side on home soil and, as we have seen in days gone by, a side you take lightly very much at your peril. Before looking into how events over at the Memorial Playing Fields unfolded, special mention of huge delight in hearing that, thanks to a titanic all round effort at the club, Colliers Wood United very proudly secured the highly acclaimed Football Association Charter Standard status in footballing terms which we congratulate them upon.

So then, folks, off to Hartley Wintney we head first stop. Courtesy of four goals from Sam Argent along with one goal a piece from both Aaron Parfitt and Steve Noakes, a highly impressive 6-0 home victory over Colliers Wood United was recorded to keep the 'Row' three points ahead of second placed Ashford Town who welcomed Camberley Town to the Robert Parker Stadium which many felt was probably the match of the day in the Division what with both sides eager to close the gap on the League leaders and offer a serious challenge for League silverware. As you would probably expect result wise, these two really good sides, come end of play, were divided by just the one goal which arrived just before the midway point of the second half (66 minutes to be precise) courtesy of Josh Andrews for the home side.

Prospect of football for third placed Epsom & Ewell was denied as their proposed game over at Chalky Lane with Chessington & Hook United sadly received the proverbial thumbs down despite mammoth efforts within to make play possible.

Leading a pack of three teams currently on 54 points, Horley Town, thanks to goals from Zach Hawker, after four minutes, followed by Darren Blake - 32 minutes - and Jon Palmer, 90th minute, went down to a 0-3 home reversal against Badshot Lea. Within the cluster, Hanworth Villa came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over at Bedfont Sports. Joe Dyett put the hosts 1-0 on 33 minutes only for Max McGregor to level things up leaving it to Lawrie Shennan to secure maximum points for the visitors early in the second half.

Spelthorne Sports, thanks to a goal in each half, made up the 54 point trio as they secured a 2-0 home win against Westfield.

Colliers Wood United lie directly below these three and mention has already been made about their fruitless trip over to Hartley Wintney so now we pop in at The Spectrum where hosts Guildford City entertained League basement boys Cove. No mercy was shown by the 'Sweeney' as they secured a comfortable 4-0 home win thanks to goals from Sanchez Benali and Tyrone Hemmings in the first half and then another two in the second half courtesy of Benali again on 49 minutes and Matt Anton on 67 minutes.

No joy for Redhill either points wise as they went down to a 1-0 defeat over at Farnham Town. Fourth bottom Chertsey Town produced a good 4-0 away victory over at Gander Green Lane against Sutton Common Rovers and, finally in the division, AFC Hayes ran out winners by the odd goal in five following their trip to Knaphill.

Division One continues to be led by C.B. Hounslow United who currently hold a four point lead against second placed Abbey Rangers who were without a fixture Saturday afternoon. C.B. visited Cobham where, from a resultant free kick they were awarded, Gavin Bamford scored the only goal of the game to make the visit points wise fully profitable.

Third placed Worcester Park warmed up for their forthcoming Surrey County Premier Cup tie over at Carshalton by securing a highly impressive 4-0 away victory over at Farleigh Rovers.

Bedfont & Feltham visited Merland Rise hoping to fare better than their 4-1 defeat hosts Banstead Athletic inflicted upon them. Still though, they remain in the top four despite this setback.

Eversley & California were due to visit Dorking Wanderers Reserves. Regretfully though, this game failed to start due to an internal problem encountered prior to commencement.

Dorking secured a good 2-0 win on the road as they ventured over to Frimley Green whilst hosts Ash United and afternoon visitors Staines Lammas settled for a point each following a 0-0 over at Young’s Drive.

FINALLY: League wise from Division One, following their impressive 4-1 away victory over at Sheerwater, the boys from South Park Reserves hauled themselves off the bottom of the table and are now replaced by Epsom Athletic who, on the day, were without a League fixture. For the record, folks, before we close, position wise in Division One, a mere four points separate the bottom four clubs as I write.

Wishing all readers A Very Happy Easter.