Banstead Athletic 0 Chessington & Hook 1

Banstead had a few new faces in the side for this game against a reasonable Chessington side. The As gave a good account of themselves, writes Bob Lockyer.

For the first 18 minutes, Banstead played some good football, and had the ball in the net from a header but it was ruled as a foul by the ref and assistant referee, although there didn't appear to be any contact between the two players.

There were a few strange decisions to come from the officials during the course of the match.

Mo Maan was showing some neat football, along with Ross Chalk, Chris Davidson (who had a better second half), Dean Sammut and a few others in what was again a much stronger performance.

After 37 minutes, the ref pulled up with a thigh injury, which was treated and he managed to carry on after treatment.

Chessington keeper Mark Daniels kept his side in the game with some fine saves, especially from Chalk.

Banstead had the better of the first half by getting down the flanks and certainly making more chances, but it was goalless at half-time.

Before the restart, the As made a substitute, with Sol Patterson-Bohner replacing the ineffectual Craig Prendergast.

Carl Gibb, another new signing, headed goalwards but it was saved.

On 61 minutes, Chessington had a header that hit the crossbar, as well as three other chances to score that either went over the bar or wide.

The As were coming under a bit of pressure, but managed to survive a scramble in the area and cleared the danger.

Again the visitors pushed hard for the opening goal but were stopped by the As defence.

On 65 minutes, Banstead's Maan crossed a ball into the area that only needed a touch but went safe.

Both teams made changes with Gavin Quintyne making some inroads for Banstead to put pressure on the Chessington defence.

Then it happened - a quick free-kick that appeared not to be taken from the right spot by Chessington's Martin Jackson came to his skipper Darren Smith and he planted the ball past Rouse in the Banstead goal.

Rouse made his opinions known to the ref and was promptly shown a red card.

For the last few minutes, Dave Hawkins went in goal for the As.

It was disappointing for Banstead boss Paul Norris because it looked like Banstead had the better of the chances, even a point would have been acceptable.

One goal, though, was always going to be enough to settle this game.

Banstead: Rouse, Dilloway, Jelly, Sammut, Davidson, Hawkins, Chalke, Quintyne, Gibbs, Prendergast, Maan, Patterson, Patterson-Bohner, Frampong, Sinclair