Combined Counties Round Up: 13/03/2017

The weekend’s action in the Combined Counties League saw two of the top sides face each other, with Hartley Wintney securing a 3-1 victory against Westfield, taking their points tally up to 94.

Westfield had actually taken the lead in the 4th minute but that was soon cancelled out by 17 year old Adam Liddle and second half goals from Duff and Argent secured victory for the current champions. Hanworth Villa took advantage of Westfield’s defeat and moved up to 2nd place with a 3-1 win away to Knaphill despite trailing at half time. Both sides had a man sent off in that one, Connor Close and Jesse Ataise both given their marching orders with the scores level. Walton & Hersham kept the pace with a 1-0 win over Farnham Town – the Surrey side are now undefeated in six as they look to climb the table.

At the bottom of the table Badshot Lea continued their mini-revival by securing a vital win against fellow strugglers Bedfont & Feltham, 3-1, to lift themselves to within seven points of safety. Despite a win midweek Raynes Park Vale are still in deep trouble and were beaten 2-0 at Abbey Rangers at the weekend, the home side also missing a penalty in a game they won comfortably enough. With only two points in their last seven games AFC Hayes are being dragged into a relegation battle, and their 2-0 defeat at home to Chertsey Town on Saturday saw the visitors leapfrog them in the table. Colliers Wood too have struggled recently and their poor form continued on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat at home to North Greenford United. The loss of goalkeeper George Ennor to injury midway through the second half could be pointed to as a key factor in the game, with both goals for the away side coming after this point. Sutton Common Rovers have been much improved in the second half of the season but couldn’t prevent Windsor securing a 1-0 win at the weekend, George Gould scoring the only goal (pictured) with SCR being reduced to 10 men in the second half. One of the more entertaining games of the day came at Guildford City, who were beaten 3-2 at home to Camberley. The visitors had taken a three goal lead but were nearly caught out by a late Guildford surge. With just two wins all year Guildford have slipped into the bottom half of the table. In an all Middlesex clash CB Hounslow were defeated 2-1 at home to Spelthorne Sports, whilst Bedfont Sports lost 4-0 against Horley Town, the game switched to Horley as the new 3G pitch is installed at Bedfont Sports’ home ground.

There was something of a shock in Division One as Redhill were beaten for the first time since the 8th October, going down 1-0 at Bagshot who now move above Redhill in the table. Banstead Athletic took advantage of this slip up by beating South Park Reserves 4-1 to move 11 points clear at the top. Their cause was helped further as Chessington & Hook suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Farleigh. Having lost their last five games by a total of 26 goals the new look Farleigh side are now looking to get a good run of form going. On a weekend of strange results struggling Cove picked up a 3-0 win against Frimley Green, defensive mistakes costing the visitors. Dorking however couldn’t continue this trend, going down 3-0 at home to Staines Lammas side who have been inconsistent in form of late. After defeat to Balham a few weeks ago Worcester Park got back on track by beating Ash 3-0, moving up to 8th in the league with Sheerwater slipping to a 2-1 home defeat against Eversley & California – they in turn climbed above the inactive Balham. Elsewhere in Division One Cobham were beaten 2-0 at home to AC London

Photo credit: Gary Brigden

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