‘Scholars’ march on

A good crowd of 174 for the last home ‘regular league season’ fixture as the ‘Scholars’ looked to continue their push for promotion.

The home side were soon into their stride. Billy Adcock won the ball to play in Sandro Costa Dias Fernandes but he shot straight at the keeper. Then George Nicholas created space for Ben Ward-Cochrane but his low strike went past the left hand post.

So it was no surprise when the lead was taken on 7 mins. Sandro Costa broke in to the box and appeared to be fouled but George Nicholas retrieved the ball to play in Ben Ward-Cochrane to fire home for the opening goal.

But the visitors responded and Cemal Ramadan hit his shot against the crossbar from the edge of the six yard box.

The visitors were always in the game and testing the resolute defence well lead by Sean Grace but their efforts were either wide or over or straight at keeper Berkley Laurencin.

Ben Ward-Cochrane was a headache for their defence - one run down the right saw him cut in but shoot wide but on 30 mins the same player crossed low for Sandro Costa to firmly strike home for the second.

The second half saw the visitors attempt to raise their game and have more than their fair share of the ball but could not really seriously threaten the home goal although one effort did hit a post.

The home side were always dangerous on the attack and good interplay saw a cross through the six yard without a touch. But the visitors were made to pay on 76 mins when a run and fiercely struck shot from Andrew Lomas was only parried by the keeper -f alling invitingly for sub Eoin Casey to knock home the third.

Still the home side maintained the pressure and a free kick from Andrew Lomas went just past the left hand post.

The score line was more comfortable than the game had been but there is a determination in the ‘Scholars' as they recorded their eighth win in nine - are the form team - and throwing down the gauntlet to Bowers & Pitsea to catch them in second place - especially after they could only recover to draw their game - now five points behind with two games in hand.

Team: Berkley Laurencin, Christopher Doyle (William Wambeek 62 mins), Andrew Lomas, Lee O'Leary, Steve Brown, Sean Grace, George Nicholas, Billy Adcock, Michael Murray (Jordan Lawal 77 mins), Ben Ward-Cochrane (Eoin Casey 66 mins), Sandro Costa Dias Fernandes

Unused Substitutes: James Budden, Femi Ogunsola

Man of the match: Billy Adcock – determined performance