Seven clear for Farnham as fog gets in K’s way

We started our Boxing Day action in Portsmouth, where Moneyfields, victorious in that crazy match against Sutton Common Rovers on Saturday, hosted Horndean, the Deans with a new boss in situ. When Horndean went ahead just after half time it looked as if they might experience a new manager bounce, Rudi Blankson with the goal, but instead they were bounced by the Moneys, who bounced back with four. George Barker levelled from the spot on sixty four minutes, and fifteen minutes from time Ethan Gee put the hosts ahead. On eighty three minutes Harry Thorpe added a third, and in added time Callum Laycock got number four- the Money up to thirteenth. 

Westfield welcome Ashford Town to Woking. Field had gone five matches without a win, whilst the Tangerines picked up a first win in twelve last time out, and the sides delivered a six goal thriller. It looked as if a home win was guaranteed with only four minutes to go, but the Tangerines had other ideas. Manolis Gogonas put Westfield ahead after just five minutes and Mayowa Adaje made it two twenty two minutes later- and although Liam Moore pulled a goal back for the visitors it was three-one at the break, Andrew Crossley with a third for the hosts in first half added time. That seemed to be that, but on eighty six minutes George Vorster pulled it back to three-two, and four minutes into added time Jayden Porter Atkinson frustrated the home fans when he made it three-three. 

Bottom side Badshot Lea took on fourth place Ascot United, and the Yellas eased to victory, three goals in eight minutes punctuated by the half time break giving them a commanding lead. Ben Harris scored in the fortieth minute, Harvey Harry added another on forty five, and Aiden Payne-James made it three, three minutes into the second half. That looked to be that, but there was a fourth goal four minutes from time, George Lock making it four-nil and ensuring that the Yellas open up a five point lead between themselves and sixth place. The Baggies are twelve points from safety. 

South Park Reigate, only two points above the drop zone at kick off, were the hosts for Raynes Park Vale. Vale had taken one point from their previous four matches, but got back to winning ways at Whitehall Lane- although perhaps it wasn’t as comfortable as the scoreline suggests. It took sixty two minutes for Vale to take the lead, Kyen Nicholas with the opener- and there were only two minutes left when the visitors added a second, Nicholas once more. In added time George Vincent made the scoreline look a little more impressive with a third, and Vale are four points away from the top five. The Sparks now have only one point as a safety net. 

Southall welcomed third place Uxbridge in a West London derby, although of course The All are currently sharing at Burnham. Both sides were in good form, Uxbridge with five wins from their previous six, Southall having won six of nine- and having scored five in each of their previous two victories- but this one was rather short of goals, indeed there was only one. That goal arrived on sixty nine minutes, and it came to the visitors George Moore, his eighteenth of a rather prolific campaign. 

It was fifth v first as Hartley Wintney played host to Farnham Town, the visitors aware that, with Kingstonian’s match against Guernsey postponed due to Channel Islands fog, they could open up a seven point lead with victory. The Row were looking for a fifth successive win, and hadn’t conceded a goal for two hundred and ninety two minutes, but they managed only seven minutes more before Sam De St Croix put Farnham in front. On ten minutes it was two-nil, Adam Liddle doubling the visitors lead, and only six minutes later Owen Dean’s twenty first of the season made it three. Home fans may have been worried that a massacre was in order, but their side finally settled and there were no more Farnham goals- indeed the hosts got one back right at the end, George Wallace pulling it back to one-three. By then the visitors were down to ten men, Jack Dean dismissed six minutes earlier. 

Hanworth Villa hoped to get back to winning ways after losing their previous two, but they were easily defeated by a resurgent Met Police. The boys in blue were boosted by a fabulous performance in victory over Hayes and Yeading United on Saturday, and went ahead four minutes before half time, Louis Degand with the opener, before doubling their advantage from the spot eleven minutes later, Mason Galloway holding his nerve. Deep in added time Wilson Bernal added shine to an impressive performance with a third, and Met climbed out of the bottom four. Image: Nick Taylor

Harrow Borough, in seventh, played host to the side one place and one point behind them, Hayes & Yeading United. It certainly wasn’t a Boxing Day thriller, as neither side could manage a goal. Borough did climb to sixth with the point, one point behind fifth place Hartley Wintney. Hayes are now two places- but of course still only one point- further back.