Windsor & Eton hit the summit with first-half blitz while Flackwell Heath falter

Ben Catt celebrates his goal in Saturday’s FA Vase win over Whitchurch United. Photo: Richard Milam

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Windsor & Eton 3, Wallingford & Crowmarsh 0

Windsor & Eton moved to the summit of the Combined Counties Premier Division North last night (Tuesday), skipping above Burnham by a point, after their comprehensive 3-0 home win over Wallingford & Crowmarsh at Stag Meadow.

Having led the way for much of last season as they eased to the Combined Counties League 1 title, the Royalists are used to being frontrunners, and Rob Webb’s side proudly sit top of the table once again after dismantling Wallingford with a superb first half showing last night.

The Royalists have had plenty to contend with already this season, with former boss Matty Angell moving on and last season’s top scorer Pawel Kowalkowski also moving on for pastures new.

However, they’ve remained a tough nut to crack and have only lost once in the league all season - at home to promotion rivals Burnham. They’ve also advanced to the next round of the FA Vase after a 2-0 away win at Whitchurch United on Saturday.

Wallingford didn’t stand a chance as they were swept aside by three goals inside 14 first half minutes.

The unfortunate Ellis Hercules headed into his own net to get the ball rolling for Windsor in the 16th minute before former Burnham striker Jabir Laraba doubled the home side’s lead in the 25th minute. Five minutes later and Ross McKernan made the game all but safe and they were then able to sit on their three-goal advantage through the second half.

Wallingford’s Tyler D’Cruz did his side no favours when he was sent off in the 65th minute and the result lifted the Royalists from third to first.

They lead the division by a point from Burnham, who now have a game in hand. Ardley United have also moved up to third after their 3-1 win over North Leigh, bumping Broadfields United down to fourth.

Windsor & Eton will seek to maintain their place at the top when they visit 14th placed Abingdon United on Saturday. Burnham will hope to take advantage of any slip ups when they host fifth placed Hilltop.

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Welwyn Garden City 1, Flackwell Heath 0

Flackwell Heath’s post FA Cup exit dip in form continued Tuesday night as the Heathens were beaten 1-0 away by Welwyn Garden City at Herns Way.

The Heathens had been undefeated in the league this season heading into Saturday’s tricky trip to Biggleswade, but they were beaten there 3-2 thanks to a brace from Alex Marsh - the ‘best player in the league’ according to Heath boss Chris Ayres.

Their disappointing recent run continued as Eddie Corbit’s seventh minute goal gave Welwyn all three points.

The home side managed to hold on despite seeing goalkeeper Lamar Johnson sent off. Try as they might, the visitors couldn’t break through, and they’ll now look to bounce back at home to Hertford Town on Saturday.

It’s also now four defeats on the spin in all competitions for the Heathens who exited both the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup and FA Cup - following a narrow defeat at Maldon & Tiptree - ahead of this week’s disappointing league defeats.

Flackwell sit 13th in the table but have matches in hand over many of the teams above them.