Chatham Town overcame a first-half sending-off for Liam Hickey to defeat Dereham Town 3-1 in Ryman League Division 1 North.

Austin Gacheru had given Kevin Watson's Chatham a 20th-minute lead but Ryan Hawkins' penalty on 34 minutes and Hickey's red card handed the initiatve to the visitors.

However, Chatham scored a penalty of their own through Ade Yusuuf on 53 minutes and then an own goal by Adam Smith midway through the second half settled the contest.

Without two centre-backs through suspension, Cray Wanderers then had to do without Steve Springett after his early red card against AFC Sudbury.

Sudbury's Daniel Maxwell scored from the penalty spot on 24 minutes after Springett's red card.

Sam Clarke made it 2-0 on 35 minutes before Payton Swatman converted a third straight after half-time.

Two further goals from Michael Shinn made it 5-0 before Shaun Welford scored a late consolation goal for Cray.

Thamesmead got off to a winning start on their return to Division 1 North but they had to come from behind to defeat Barkingside 2-1.

Calvin Poku put Barkingside ahead before Sean Roberts levelled the scores by half-time.

Tyrus Gordon-Young then scored the winner with 13 minutes left while the visitors had keeper Chris Clark sent-off in the last minute.