Bartlett buoyant despite Stones setback
Wealdstone 1 Eastbourne Borough 1
Wealdstone boss Gordon Bartlett praised the character of his side after they were cruelly denied a win on their Conference South bow by an injury-time equaliser.
Luke Pigden put the Stones in front midway through the first half and goalkeeper Jonathan North saved a 58th minute penalty, but teenage substitute Dean Bown nodded in to earn the visitors a point.
Bartlett said: “We were frustrated at the time of the goal but the character of the side when we were under the cosh for long periods was outstanding and has carried over from last season.
“The bottom line is that Eastbourne deserved a point as we just couldn’t get a foothold in the second half as we defended deeper and deeper.”
A crowd of 706, easily the highest in the division on the opening weekend, watched as the Stones broke the deadlock on 29 minutes, Pigden lashing home after being fed by Michael Malcolm.
The visitors provided a stern test in the second half, but Stones defended heroically for long periods and even survived after Gavin McCallum was fouled in the box, as North kept out Dean Sinclair’s spot-kick.
Eastbourne piled on the pressure with corner after corner and they got the point they deserved in the dying seconds when Bown headed home at the far post after good work from the tricky McCallum.
St. Albans City 0 Hayes and Yeading United 1
New skipper Matty Harriott gave Hayes and Yeading the perfect start to the new campaign with the winner at Clarence Park.
A new-look United side are looking to make the most of their reprieve from relegation and Harriott’s 14th-minute strike proved to be the difference.
Frankie Merrifield thought he’d made it 2-0 not long afterwards but his header was ruled out for a push.
A superb all-round team performance was capped by a clean sheet, as a well-drilled back four left debutant goalkeeper Calum Kitscha with very little to do.
Ryman Premier Division round-up
A goal 13 minutes from time denied Hampton and Richmond Borough a point at title favourites Margate.
Hampton goalkeeper Warren Carter made a string of fine saves but was finally beaten in the 77th minute by midfielder Lewis Taylor.
Former Hayes and Yeading captain Luke Williams, on as a substitute, could have doubled the lead but was denied by Carter.
Harrow Borough were beaten at Dulwich Hamlet after finding themselves 2-0 down inside the first 20 minutes.
Marc Charles-Smith reduced the arrears midway through the second half, only for Laurent Hamici to restore Dulwich’s two-goal lead. Spencer Bellotti did pull another goal back but Harrow were unable to muster an equaliser and lost 3-2.
Goals from Leon Smith and Kezie Ibe earned Hendon victory over Bury Town.
Smith opened the scoring in the 19th minute after being sent clear and then turned provider for debutant Ibe to turn home the second a few minutes later.
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