THE ROUND-UP | SATURDAY ACTION

A look at the weekend action

The month of January came to a close with plenty of exciting action across our four divisions.

With Premier South leaders, Walton & Hersham, flying the flag for the Southern League in the Isuzu FA Trophy, there was an opportunity for Poole Town to close the gap on them at the top of the table. However, they failed to take advantage as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat at local rivals, Weymouth, in front of a crowd of just under 1,800.

Third-placed Gloucester City shared the spoils at Sholing thanks to a stoppage time leveller from Kieran Phillips, whilst Gosport Borough fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Hungerford Town. Also in the top five, Farnham Town saw their home encounter with Havant & Waterlooville fall victim of the weather.

Over in the Premier Central, Spalding United lead the way by a single point after they were forced to come back from two goals down at half-time to draw 2-2 with Bishop’s Stortford. There was no mistake from Harborough Town as they registered a commanding 4-0 triumph over Stourbridge.

Real Bedford ran out 4-1 winners over AFC Sudbury, who levelled the scores early on in the second period but ultimately ran out of steam. Redditch United leapfrogged local rivals, Halesowen Town, after beating them 3-1 with the help of a brace from Liam Loughlan. The Reds now sit fourth with their opponents occupying the last play-off spot.

In Division One South, Frome Town had to be patient to overcome the challenge of Willand Rovers by a single-goal. It was a different story at second-placed Malvern Town where they ran out 7-3 victors over Brixham AFC. The Worcestershire club held a five-goal advantage at the break, as Piers Walton helped himself to a hat-trick.

It was also raining goals at Portishead Town where the home side beat neighbours, Bristol Manor Farm, 6-1. Winchester City saw their game at Bideford AFC postponed whilst Shaftesbury fell to a 2-0 home reverse at the hands of an in-form Hartpury.

Finally, in Division One Central it was a big day amongst the top four as they all faced each other. Leighton Town sit pretty at the top as they won 2-1 at Biggleswade Town thanks to a late strike from Godlove Oppong, who hit both goals. Biggleswade FC went to Hitchin Town and won 1-0 with a late goal from Temilola Akinbusoye securing a hard-earned and deserved victory.

Making up the rest of the top five are Hertford Town, whose game at Leverstock Green fell victim of the weather.

In the Isuzu FA Trophy, Walton & Hersham gave a good account of themselves against National League, Woking, but ultimately went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat as their adventure in the competition came to an end.

We’ll have reaction to the action during the course of the week ahead.

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