Gravesend & N 2 Hampton 1

SUBSTITUTE Liam Hatch last night scored a 90th minute golden goal that sent Gravesend & Northfleet back to the top of the Ryman League's Premier Division and within touching distance of promotion.

Hatch had been on the field three minutes when he met Che Stadhart’s cross to turn the ball past Hampton goalkeeper Stuart MacKenzie from close range in a nerve-jangling and dramatic finale. Manager Andy Ford danced a wild jig down the touchline while Stonebridge Road erupted in a mixture of sheer relief and delight.

“That could be the most important three points we'll win this season,” the Fleet boss said afterwards. “This was our game in hand on Canvey which we had to win and I'll admit I got rid of all my inner tensions.

“If we can win our last three games then we'll take the title and win promotion to the Conference. But it's not over yet and I've a feeling there are still twists and turns to come. I would appeal to our fans to do all they can to get to Braintree on Saturday and support the players.”

In the 11 minutes for stoppages added on by referee Phil Crossley there was still time for Hampton's Raphael Nade to be sent off for kicking out at Matt Lee.

The Fleet, who had been held to successive goalless draws, again struggled in front of goal in the first-half when Hampton's Marvyn Watson, Nade and Kesie Ibe spurned clear-cut opportunities.

Stadhart kept his cool and steadied Fleet nerves in the 57th minute when he broke the deadlock with a penalty after Steve French had handled.

Craig Wilkins missed a 76th minute sitter before relegation-threatened Hampton stunned Fleet by equalising with their first attack of the half in the 81st minute.

Frenchman Nade outjumped the home defence to head home Craig Maskell’s corner.

Hatch arrived in the 87th minute and with the game heading for a draw his sudden impact brought the house down with the winner.

Gravesend: Turner; Lee, Duku, Barnett, Burton; Smith (Hatch 87 mins), Owen, McKimm (Booth 66 mins), Jackson; Wilkins, Stadhardt. Substitute not used: Parker.

Attendance: 1,076.