The much awaited clash with Banstead Athletic

And it didn’t disappoint with a dramatic last minute winner to seal another three points.

The noticeable change this time not being on the pitch but with the introduction of Gary Ross to the coaching staff. If manager Glynn Stephens can convince him to stay his knowledge of the game will be invaluable as the team enters the final two months of the season.

With another recent enforced break endured, a sluggish start saw no real quality from either side, although the basic art of turning an opponents defence around did see a couple of half chances fall our way, one in particular that striker Paul Timba should have done better with. Having got to the ball first he would have expected to hit the target but his shot fell the wrong side of the post.

As this route was gradually closed to us our attempted passing game was too often falling short of the required mark and Banstead sensed they had an opportunity themselves. This seemed to start when young striker George Baldock was receiving treatment off the pitch for a cut chin. Having said that, but for a disallowed goal rightly ruled out for a foul on Mark Daniels, neither keeper was overly troubled in the first half.

The second half saw the hosts make a change and the power of Sol Patterson Bonner had our defence occasionally under pressure although strong performances from West , Puckett , Holley and Weir saw most of his threat reduced to receiving the ball with his back to goal and thirty five yards out. The change did affect the tempo of the game though and with some strong challenges now in play from both sides, the match suddenly had the feel of a local derby. James white headed over from a corner when he should have scored early on in the half and that miss appeared to galvanise Banstead, who with our own attacks now a rarity it is fair to say that we were relying on a strong defence to keep us level for a lot of the time. The score remaining at nil nil because of this, two fine saves from Mark Daniels, and a headed effort that came back of our own crossbar.

With the clock running down Reece Jackson replaced George Baldock who had worked tirelessly throughout to add some energy to the attack, and Andrew Heath came on for the injured Paul West. Neither change looked as if it would have an effect until the dramatic final seconds. Reece Jackson chasing a hopeful clearance earned a free kick, his marker needlessly handling in the centre circle. Whilst the Banstead players argued with the referee, the alert minds of Martin Jackson and Darren Smith saw them combine with a quickly taken free kick which top scorer Smith converted in style.

Cue what will be the greatest celebration of a goal this season, which saw all sixteen players and the coaching staff involved. With the arguments still raging the Banstead keeper was sent off and the final minutes played out without alarm for a fine win.