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Millers overcome Addiscombe to extend league lead

Sanderstead 1s extended their lead in South League Surrey Division 2 on Saturday, edging out Addiscombe 3-2 and putting 10 points between them and second-placed Walton & Weybridge.  Twice Addiscombe equalised, but Charlie Vening's superb winner was unanswered and the hosts fell to Sanderstead for the second time this season.

Martyn Avery made it 1-0 at the game's first short corner, shooting low past the goalkeeper.  The As drew level soon after, only for the Millers to move ahead once more, this time through Mark Bryan's unstoppable sweep from a set piece.

Addiscombe made it 2-2 after half time, picking off a stray Sanderstead pass in the middle of the pitch and driving goalwards to create a two-on-one against 'keeper Dan Pacitti.  But it was not long before Vening added the Millers' third, striking a sweet aerial shot over the rushing goalie.

No further goals followed, though Denzil Dolley and Richard Bruce went close for the visitors, and an Addiscombe strike rebounded off the post before the final whistle.

During a tense game, some umpiring decisions clearly left Addiscombe feeling hard done by.  Sanderstead too had occasional cause for complaint but they kept their calm, whereas the As had decisions given against them after responding too vocally, and their playmaker was sent off in the second half for dissent.

Sanderstead captain Avery said, "Our calmness and composure earned us this victory.  We dug deep to fight off Addiscombe's challenge, and just as importantly we kept our heads.  It's great to have a 10-point lead at this stage of the season, and we hope soon to be celebrating promotion to Surrey Division 1."

The Millers' 4th XI made it a double over Addiscombe, establishing a 3-0 lead over their Open League counterparts before conceding a late consolation goal.  With the score at 1-0, 'man of the match' Chris Litchfield helped to keep things tight at the back for Sanderstead, as the As pushed hard for a way into the game.  His teammates took their chances to score twice on the break, after Chris Adams opened proceedings, and they held on for a creditable win.

The 2s also took three points on Saturday, blitzing opponents Richmond with four second-half goals to seal a 4-1 win.  Dom Knolles, Dav Mahi, Greg Gilson and Russell Haque all made the scoresheet for Sanderstead, leaving the visitors with an insurmountable task.

Only the Millers' 3rd team lost, struggling to match the challenge of Teddington Oaks and falling 3-1 away.