NLS | Ebbsfleet United back on top after comfortable win

Photo by Nikcy Hayes

Craig Tanner’s brace helped steer Ebbsfleet United back to the top of the National League South table after another dramatic day at Step 2.

By Steven Oldham 

Ebbsfleet United regain pole position

Dennis Kutrieb’s side beat Hemel Hempstead Town 3-1, moving ahead of Maidstone United on goal difference with both sides on 38 points.

Tanner scored either side of Dominic Poleon’s 11th of the season to give their side a 3-0 advantage before the hour mark. Charlee Hughes hit a late consolation for The Tudors.

Stones’ six game winning streak came to an end at bottom club Billericay Town as they were held to a 1-1 draw.

It could have been even worse for Maidstone, with Billericay taking the lead through  Shaquile Coulthirst.  Reece Grant’s first goal for the club levelled the scores with eight minutes to play. 

Dorking Wanderers up to third 

A fifth straight win for Dorking Wanderers sees Marc White’s side up to third and within one win of top spot.

Alfie Rutherford’s first half brace gave Wanderers a 2-1 victory over strugglers Braintree Town 2-1.  Stefan Ilic got one back for the visitors in the second half. 

The Iron are now without a win in five and are now just one point above the division’s sole relegation place.  Braintree do have two games in hand on Billericay.

Tonbridge Angels pick up first win since October 

Steve McKimm’s Angels produced a late comeback to beat Hungerford Town 2-1 and pick up a first league win in three months.

Jake Evans had given Hungerford the lead on the stroke of half time and with five minutes on the clock his goal looked to be enough for all three points. 

However, Tommy Wood hadn’t read that script and scored in the 87th and 90th minutes to complete the turnaround and secure a much-needed win. 

Eastbourne Borough surprise Hoops

Eastbourne Borough did the hard work in the first half with Charley Kendall’s brace enough to earn an impressive 2-0 win at Oxford City. 

Danny Bloor’s side got back to winning ways in their first game in three weeks after a Covid outbreak saw their festive schedule washed away. 

David Oldfield’s City side are now encountering their biggest wobble of the season to date - only winning once in their last five games and down to fourth.

Bluebirds into playoffs after thrashing Slough Town 

Chippenham Town demolished Slough Town 6-1 and moved back into playoff contention after last week’s defeat to Bath City. 

Luke Russe, Ricky Aguiar (2), Jordan Young (2) and Joe Hanks were all on target for the home side who were 4-1 up at the break.  Alfonso Tenconi had equalled the scores after Hanks’ opener. 

Ben Harris was sent off late on for Slough to compound their miserable away day. 

All the other NLS action 

Promotion rivals Dartford and Dulwich Hamlet couldn’t be separated at Princes Park in a 1-1 draw.  Tyrone Sterling had given the visitors a halftime lead, but Jake Robinson equalised with 20 minutes left to play. 

St Albans City eventually won a topsy-turvy game at Welling United, with Joy Mukena scoring the decider in a 3-2 result.  Joy Mukena’s first goal for the club settled the tie, with Welling 2-1 up at one stage. 

Hampton & Richmond Borough picked up a first win in five by beating Concord Rangers 2-1.  A late own goal wrapped up the win for the home side. 

Tom Blackwell scored the game’s only goal as Chelmsford City beat Bath City 1-0.