Brenchley Wanderers Reserves 0-1 Ashton Prime

Prime travelled to Brenchley looking to extend their winning run at the start of the season. They had to do so without Mazurkiewicz, Kneebone and Skovborg-Hansen though - making the returns of Garside, Walters and Flamank very timely.

Prime started well and looked the more confident side with Abu and Walker linking up well in the heart of midfield and Lower putting in several silky early touches.

They nearly took the lead after 15 minutes as Walker curled one of his trademarked 25 yarders past the keeper, but he was denied by the post.

Walters was proving to be a good outlet down the left, but perhaps due to the slope on the pitch, he was under-used - to the relief of the home side's right back.

Brenchley were growing in confidence and started to put Prime under some pressure from their long throws and flick-ons.

The Prime back four again looked solid though with Barnham winning several key headers and Davis keeping his winger very quiet. Prime's biggest problem looked to be arguments between centre-backs Gilbert and Garside which threatened their concentration.

Prime continued to be the dominant outfit and Walker fired over and Excell had a snap-shot well saved before the break.

Goldsmith urged his troops not to panic in possession and to start playing some football in the second period, and within 10 minutes of the restart, they were ahead.

Walters went across and curled a delightful inswinging corner on to the head of the unmarked skipper Gilbert who made no mistake to thump his header into the roof of the net.

The Numbers were now starting to play and for 5 minutes after the goal, it looked as if they might add to their tally with Walker and Flamank both shooting over when well placed.

Goldsmith brought himself on for the unlucky Barnham who again had put in a solid shift - with Flamank switched to his favoured left-back slot.

The gaffer was soon into the action as he hit a 25 yarder as the ball popped up, but the keeper had it covered.

Brenchley's direct style was always a threat though and Prime were rescued by the linesman's flag after a long ball was flicked on and their striker lobbed over Kerton - only for the effort to be ruled out.

The stricken Walters was replaced for the final quarter, giving Sturmey the chance to make his first appearance of the season. Postlethwaite was into the action soon after, replacing Lower who had performed well on the right wing.

With just under 15 minutes to go, the home side were handed a lifeline when Davis was adjusdged to have tripped the Brenchley striker in the box - despite protestations from the Prime defence.

But Kerton guessed right and produced an outstanding save to deny the Brenchley skipper an equaliser, and to preserve yet another clean sheet.

Prime saw out the closing stages well, with Sturmey unlucky with an effort from the edge of the box and Abu and Walker both denied when through on the keeper.

The game finished in comical circumstances as Goldsmith sought to run down time. He collected a ball from Davis and then turned past 2 Brenchley defenders down the right touchline before completely messing up his cross as he kicked the ball with his standing foot and sliced it out of play - much to the bemusement of the unmarked Excell!

Man of the Match: Kerton - Crucial penalty save and claimed every cross with ease.