Gravesend & N 3 Hendon 0

GRAVESEND & NORTHFLEET moved to the top of the Ryman League's Premier Division last night with a comfortable victory at Stonebridge Road.

The visitors started off well and after denying The Fleet any chances in the first quarter of the game they could, and possibly should, have taken the lead on 24 minutes when Ricci Grace screwed his shot wide of the target when clean through on goal.

Hendon's miss proved crucial as Andy Ford's outfit scored twice within the next four minutes to put themselves in the driving seat.

The opening strike came from Francis Duku, who headed the loose ball into the net from six yards after Hendon goalkeeper David Hook could only parry Danny Lye’s effort.

Gravesend extended their lead in the 28th minute when Aaron Barnett bundled the ball over the goal-line from close range after the home team had failed to clear a left wing corner.

Fleet top scorer Che Stadhart put the game beyond doubt with the third goal just before half time when his right foot volley from 15 yards found the corner of the net.

The second period rarely matched the excitement of the first half although Gravesend looked in control of the game and could have upped a couple of gears if required.

Fleet went into the game knowing that if they picked up the three points and league leaders Braintree failed to beat Chesham on the same night, they would go top of the table.And that's exactly what happened as Chesham won 4-1.

Gravesend & Northfleet: Blake, Lee, Skinner (Booth 23), Lye, Barnett, Duku, Smith, Martin, Wilkins (Planck 85), Stadhart (Hatch 68), Jackson.

Attendance: 394.