Gravesend & N 3 St Albans 2

GRAVESEND & Northfleet manager Andy Ford took a diplomatic stance after two astonishing blunders by referee Gary Ives threatened to topple his side from the head of the Ryman League, Premier Division, in an incident-strewn match

While the players and a season's best crowd of 604, were all smiles after a fifth straight win, the outcome could have been different. The Hornchurch official denied the home side a certain goal when defender Darren Fenton lunged forward to punch the ball away from Craig Wilkins who looked certain to score in the 67th minute. Fenton escaped with a caution.

With four minutes remaining Fleet substitute Liam Hatch was flattened by trhe visitors' keeper Richard Wilmot as he bore down on goal. It looked a clear penalty and sending off offence but Mr Ives waved the Fleet's heated protests aside.

"If I said what I feel about the referee I would be in big trouble," said Ford. "So let's just say that I was disappointed when I learned he was in charge and even more disappointed with his performance at the end."

Both talking points occurred while the Fleet were hanging on with 10-men at 1-1 following Matt Lee's 55th minute dismissal for serious foul play.

Craig Wilkins had earlier produced a sublime piece of opportunism in the 33rd minute with a dipping 25-yard volley that put the Fleet in front. Rob Smith equalised from Fred Hyatt's 54th minute cross before Lee was ordered off.

Wilkins restored the lead with a near post header from Darren Smith's 61st minute corner and former Gillingham defender Elliot Martin made it 3-1 with his first goal for the club from the penalty spot in the 81st after St Albans substitute Steve Blaney had tripped skipper Jimmy Jackson.

St Albans pulled back a goal deep into second half stoppage through skipper Derek Brown.

Gravesend: Blake; Lee, Duku, Barnett, Martin; Smith, Owen, Lye, Jackson; Stadhart (Hatch 75 mins), Wilkins. Substitutes not used: Booth, Rocastle.