Photo by Nicky Hayes/Billericay Town FC
Tonbridge Angels ended Dorking Wanderers’ ten game winning streak by picking up a stunning 3-1 victory at Meadowbank - a result that cut the Surrey side’s lead at the top to three points.
By Steven Oldham
It looked like business as usual for Wanderers after Alfie Rutherford gave the home side a seventh minute lead.
Joe Turner equalised after 35 minutes, before Marc White’s side were reduced to ten men after Barry Fuller received a straight red card just before half time.
White made three changes at the break, but to little effect as Tommy Wood scored twice in fifteen minutes after the hour.
Tonbridge picked up a first win in three games and condemned Dorking to only a second home defeat of the season.
Maidstone United were the big beneficiaries of Dorking’s slip up as they moved to within three points of the leaders.
Hakan Hayrettin’ side are unbeaten since November, and extended that run to 12 games with a 2-1 home win over Bath City.
Stones hit a goal in both halves via Jack Barham and Joan Luque, while Elliott Frear denied them a clean sheet with a late consolation.
Crucially, Maidstone have a game in hand on Dorking, and boast the division’s stingiest defence.
Bath are now without a win in three and remain midtable on 28 points.
Oxford City and Dartford both won to stay within three points of Maidstone at the head of the playoffs.
City were 3-0 winners over Hampton & Richmond Borough, while Dartford came from behind to beat Welling United 4-2.
Second half goals from Elliott Benyon, Joe Iaciofano and Harvey Bradbury ensured Oxford returned to winning ways following a midweek defeat.
Dipo Akinyemi gave struggling Welling an early lead, before Marcus Dinanga equalised on 18 minutes. Akinyemi put the visitors in front once more three minutes later, but Danny Leonard’s goal ensured the teams went in level at half time.
Luke Allen got his name on the scoresheet after the break, with Dinanga completing his brace late on to give Dartford a third straight win.
Third-bottom Welling are now without a win in five.
Chippenham Town are unbeaten in three games after a 1-0 win over Concord Rangers.
Jordan Young scored the only goal of the game with three minutes left to play - from his own half. Rangers are without a win since Boxing Day.
St Albans City moved back into the playoffs with a 1-0 win at Havant & Waterlooville.
Shaun Jeffers hit his 20th goal of the season to tie level with Dorking’s Alfie Rutherford at the top of the goalscoring charts.
Chelmsford City were 3-1 winners at out-of-form Dulwich Hamlet.
Dara Dada-Anite gave the visitors the lead before Hamlet equalised through Danny Mills on the stroke of half time.
Daniel Imray and a Charlie Sheringham penalty gave Chelmsford a first win in five, while Hamlet have now dropped to tenth.
Hemel Hempstead Town picked up a third win in five games by beating Billericay Town 2-1.
Josh Wright opened the scoring for the visitors, before Charlee Hughes equalised from the penalty spot. Gus Scott-Morriss took the deciding goal
Slough Town came back from 2-0 down to secure a point against Hungerford Town.
Duane Ofoi-Acheampong’s brace had put Hungerford firmly in charge, but Alfonso Tenconi and Imran Kayani were both on target for the home side in response.
Braintree Town edged a point closer to safety after holding Eastbourne Borough to a goalless draw.
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