Free-scoring centre-back Rob Paris, who three weeks ago helped earn Hampton & Richmond a comeback draw against Tonbridge Angels with an equaliser, grabbed another vital goal on Saturday to give the Beavers a 1-0 home Ryman Premier League victory over Folkestone Invicta.

A match that was going nowhere was brought to life as Paris rose to head home Barrie Matthews' free-kick in the 75th minute, bringing Hampton their first win of the season against a Kent side.

Both teams struggled to master a sodden pitch and, when Hampton's Ian Hodges did score with a 33rd minute header, the goal was disallowed for a foul on Folkestone's keeper Tony Kessell.

The second-half showed some improvement, though Folkestone's Norman almost scored in his own net with a clearance that just scraped past his far post.

Hodges then dragged a shot inches wide before Marvin Bartley's run was stopped by a foul on the right and Matthews' flighted free-kick was firmly headed in by Paris.

Hampton faced a nervy end to the game, especially when the visitors won successive corners, but keeper Matt Lovett fisted the ball away.

The win propelled Hampton up a couple of places to eighth, just three points off a promotion play-off spot ahead of their trip to Harrow Borough on Saturday.

Hampton: Lovett; Harper (Yaku 55), Ulasi, Elverson, Paris, Wells (Matthews 46), Inns, Godfrey (Gardner 77), Hodges, Fernandes, Bartley. Subs not used: Harris, Henry-Hayden.