Sutton 0 Gravesend & N 1

MANAGER Andy Ford says the improved performance of his Gravesend & Northfleet side away to Sutton on Saturday was partly due to the return of Che Stadhart in attack.

The Fleet won thanks to Stadhart's poacher's finish on the half hour mark, a result which leaves the Kent team three points behind Canvey Island at the top of the Ryman League, Premier Division.

Ford said: "It was a good performance, particularly in the first half. We passed the ball well and dominated for long periods of play but just needed the finish. They came back into it in the second half.

"After our 2-0 defeat at Purfleet we had a chat with the players on Thursday and decided we needed to get the ball a bit wider and quicker. We did that at Sutton.

"Che made a difference because his back to goal play was excellent and we knew if we sent it up-field it would stay there. On a heavy pitch he did well to last 90 minutes. It's like having a new player in the squad."

Gravesend return to league action tomorrow (Tuesday) night when they meet rock-bottom club Croydon at Stonebridge Road.

Gravesend: Turner, Lee, Skinner, Burton, Duku, Owen, Smith, McKimm, Jackson, Wilkins, Stadhart. Subs: Barnett, Williams, Parker.