Photo credit to Bath City FC
Dorking Wanderers demolished National League title rivals Ebbsfleet United 5-1 - and moved six points clear of the chasing pack.
By Steven Oldham
Marc White’s side have now won eight games on the bounce - with ten-man Ebbsfleet now seven points adrift and down to third.
Sefa Kahraman’s red card after just 16 minutes gave some indication of how Ebbsfleet’s day was about to go, with the game goalless at the time.
Matt Briggs hit a hat-trick, with his first giving the home side a 1-0 halftime lead.
Wanderers’ second half performance wrapped up another victory, with Briggs completing his treble. Wes Fogden and Alfie Rutherford were also on the scoresheet. Adam Mekki’s goal ten minutes from time provided scant consolation for the visitors.
It’s a first loss in six for Dennis Kutrieb’s side, who must recover quickly with a trip to Maidstone United upcoming in midweek.
The Stones have replaced Ebbsfleet in second place, after picking up a point in a goalless draw at St Albans City.
Oxford City began the post David Oldfield era with a 1-0 victory at Welling United.
City have appointed coaches Ross Jenkins and Andy Ballard as caretaker managers following Oldfield’s move to Step 1 side Weymouth.
Joe Iaciofano’s second half goal secured the victory - City’s first win in four attempts.
Welling have dropped to 19th, with six points separating Peter Taylor’s side from the relegation spot.
Dulwich Hamlet also returned to form with a 4-1 win over Concord Rangers, and scored twice in the last minute.
The promotion candidates were firmly in control by half time with Giovanni McGregor and Danny Mills both scoring without reply.
Concord sensed a comeback could be on after Danny Green converted a 67th minute penalty, but it wasn’t to be.
Ibra Sekajja’s final minute brace left the result in no doubt, with Gavin Rose’s side picking up a first win in five and moving Hamlet up to sixth.
Rangers have lost three of their last four and are in 16th place.
Dartford’s title hopes continue to fade after they were twice pegged back in a 2-2 draw with Hampton & Richmond Borough.
Jake Robinson opened the scoring for the hosts after just five minutes, with Sam Deadfield levelling the scores 20 minutes later. Robinson’s second on the half-hour gave Dartford the lead at the break.
Jack McKnight’s penalty ten minutes into the second half equalised the scores once more, and earned his side a draw.
It’s no win in five now for Dartford who are 11 points off the top having previously led the division for a large part of the season.
Hungerford Town are back in the playoff places following a 2-1 win over Chelmsford City.
Ryan Seager’s brace took his season’s tally to 18, after ZaK Bradshaw had given Chelmsford the lead.
Alex Fletcher scored twice as Bath City turned over Eastbourne Borough 2-1. Leone Gravata hit a second half consolation for the visitors.
Bottom club Billericay Town picked up another point in a 1-1 home draw with Havant & Waterlooville.
Shaquile Coulthirst put Billericay ahead midway through the second half. Tommy Wright’s equaliser ensured the points were shared.
Tonbridge Angels are unbeaten in three after a 1-1 draw with Hemel Hempstead Town.
Joe Turner put Angels ahead after eight minutes, with Charlee Hughes bringing parity for The Tudors before half time.
Slough Town’s game at Braintree Town was postponed, following the untimely death of academy player Christian Rowe in a road traffic accident earlier this week.
Users must be 18+. If you are having trouble with gambling then help and advice can be found at begambleaware.org. Please Play Responsibly.
