Hitchin 0 Gravesend & N 4

GRAVESEND & Northfleet remain on course for promotion to the Nationwide Conference after Saturday's emphatic win in the Ryman League, Premier Division. On the day, the Fleet routed Hitchin, championship rivals Canvey Island were held 1-1 at home by Hampton.

It was the Essex team's third league game without a win and leaves Andy Ford's side sitting pretty at the top, three points ahead of their rivals. Fleet's four-goal salvo also improved their goal difference with 63 scored against Canvey's 70 while they have conceded 23 compared to Canvey's 28.

Robert Owen opened the scoring in the 19th minute after Paul Booth's pass had played him through. Steve McKimm made it 2-0 in the 27th when he turned in Owen's cross after it had bounced off Simon Parker's back.

McKimm made it 3-0 in the 54th minute after centre-back Francis Duku's 40 yard pass split the Hitchin defence.

Parker, starting a match for the first time as replacement for Craig Wilkins, rounded off the scoring in the 70th minute after Justin Skinner and skipper Jimmy Jackson had created the opening.

Gravesend: Turner; Lee, Duku, Burton, Skinner; Smith, Owen, McKimm, Jackson; Parker, Booth.

Holders Gravesend open their defence of the BOSE sponsored Kent Senior Cup on Wednesday night when they take on tenants Dartford in a second round tie at Stonebridge Road.