A top of the table clash and a five star performance from the Premier Division’s top scorers were the highlights from the latest round of SCEFL action.
Wednesday night’s goal fest between Sutton Athletic and Glebe concluded the midweek round of games. Glebe raced into a four goal lead, as Dayo Santanna, Jamie Philpot, Harry Harding and Alex Arif all scored within 21 minutes. Sutton had one back from Kelvin Bakara’s own goal before half-time, but Glebe continued the demolition after the break. Arif and Philpot added, while two late goals from Arlie Desanges made the scoreline more respectable for Sutton at 6-3.
Tuesday saw table-topping VCD Athletic host Holmesdale, who sat in second place going into midweek. The hosts opened the scoring in the first half through Bethel Gboda, with the forward netting his sixth goal in ten games. Holmesdale, however, pegged the Vickers back with four minutes remaining, as Jack Church equalised for the visitors.
A 1-1 draw between the sides sees VCD remain top of the table with 26 points, while Holmesdale have been knocked off of their perch and slip to third.
It was Faversham Town that took advantage, as Tommy Warrilow’s side moved second with a 5-1 win over Bearsted. Goals from Johan Caney-Bryan, Samuel Hasler and Stefan Payne, as well as a brace from Nathan Wood, secured a stellar victory. Faversham have a positive goal difference of 22, 12 more than VCD, and have two games in hand over the league leaders.
Punjab United held their spot in the top five following a 1-1 draw with Snodland Town. Malachi Hudson gave Punjab the lead for a lengthy spell, but Stanley Oldfield rescued a point for the hosts in the dying embers of the game.
Promotion-chasing Larkfield & New Hythe also recorded an impressive win, this time against Whitstable Town. The visitors had four different goal scorers on the night, with Bryan Zepo’s late goal wrapping up a 4-1 victory.
As a reward for beating Tunbridge Wells 3-1, Fisher are now knocking on the door of the playoff places. The game was held at 1-1 before Armani-Jordan Martin’s penalty before half-time, and Salim Nassor sealed all three points in the 93rd minute.
Erith & Belvedere are also in pursuit, with their identical result against Rusthall putting them on level points with Fisher. Tunde Aderonmu, Tommy Whitnell and Ladic Melconian put the Deres three to the good, with Charlie Clover’s late penalty merely a consolation for Rusthall. The Rustics sit bottom of the league after claiming only five points from their opening nine games.
Kennington’s 3-1 defeat to Lordswood did them no favours, as they too remain around the relegation zone. Elliott Duncan gave Lordswood an early lead before doubling his tally in the 22nd minute, and Matthew Gething made it three just after half an hour. Sonnie Hemmings’ goal in the second half was, once again, just a consolation.