Side Gain First Home League Win

It was a much-needed result for Alex Goldstone's outfit who have now won their last three competetive games, keeping clean-sheets in those matches too.

After a decent start by both teams, Hamlets were awarded a penalty on 15 minutes after a foul in the box. Jamie Yila stepped up but saw his spot-kick smartly saved by Ryan Karrer down to his left. It was a smart save from the experienced keeper.

Suaibo Balde was looking bright up front for Hamlets. The forward saw a shot saved by Karrer before being unable to get a shot on towards goal, with his next effort due to the keeper dragging him wide.

Hamlets were on top now and after Mila saw an goal-bound effort blocked by a defender, Jacob Katonia tried his luck from 25 yards out but saw he effort to wide of the goal.

Shortly after midfielder Joe Oates fired a half-chance over, 'Side, wearing their purple away kit in this fixture, took the lead on 36 minutes.

A free-kick near on the touchline was whipped into the box, with David Hornsby reacting quickest to a knock-down by firing home a fantastic low strike into the net. It was the forward's first goal for the club, and a fine strike at that.

Hamlets could have equalised shortly after but Yoan Edouko blasted a glorious chance over. On the stroke of half-time 'Side saw a goal ruled out for offside, which would have put them 2-0 up.

A great free-kick from Oates, was headed goalwards only for Dan Jones, in an offside position, to head the ball in. Had the experienced attacking-player left the ball, the goal would have stood.

'Side shortly after the restart almost doubled their lead, with Harry Matthews seeing a looping header being cleared off the line. Goldstone's men were growing in confidence and on 72 minutes they finally made it 2-0.

After Hamlets failed to deal with a corner, Akwasi Marfo put in a great cross back into the area. Hornsby, falling backwards, did brilliantly to head the ball goalwards where Oates was on hand to coolly fire home.

Despite being 2-0 up, it was vital the hosts didn't allow Hamlets to get on the score-sheet and force a nervy finish. Balde saw another effort saved by Karrer, before seeing a rebound blocked by a defender. It just wasn't to be for the visitors.

To put the icing on the cake, 'Side grabbed a third on 88 minutes when following a counter-attack, Edward Buchanan's cross was deflected into the path of Garjay Thompson who headed home. It was the full-back's first goal of the season and his first since a 1-1 draw at home to Hullbridge in February 2018.

The win lifted 'Side to just two points behind 19th placed Leyton Athletic, who we host at Cricklefields next on Saturday 12th January. That match kicks-off at 3pm.

'Side: Ryan Karrer, Garjay Thompson, Edward Lang, Dan Jones, Derek O'Halem, Harry Matthews, Joe Oates, David Ottley, Akwasi Marfo (Edward Buchanan), David Hornsby (Shaiquan Maisara), Isaac Marfo (Jack Brown-Sykes)

Subs Not Used: Ken Ajilore, Terry Anim