FINCHAMPSTEAD remain top of the Hellenic League Division One East table after earning a hard-fought 1-0 win against an unfortunate Wantage Town Reserves at Memorial Park, writes Richard Ashton.

The visitors started the game with just nine men after some of their squad were caught in traffic on the M4 and Finch had an early chance when Greg Alexander saw his shot comfortably saved by Wantage goalkeeper Andy Beddow.

The home side began to took take control of the contest and Harry Swabey, Matt Wright and Danny Wing all had opportunities blocked.

Josh Baker, in goal for Finches, was rarely called upon, but try as they might, Finches did everything but score.

Antony Martin had a prod at the Finch goal but Baker dealt with it easily, while at the other end, some crucial defending by Wantage again prevented the rampaging Wright.

Finch skipper Adam Barnard sent a shot sailing over the visitors crossbar while former Woodley Town man Adam Cashin-Murray was denied by Baker, and the half ended goalless as Alexander’s header from a corner was off target.

The second half began with Wantage back up to a full complement of players, and they began to come into the contest.

Baker dealt effectively with a free-kick before Finch earned a 55th-minute penalty, Freddie Barron beating a couple of defenders before being unceremoniously dumped to the turf as he closed on goal.

Alexander dispatched the spot kick to put his side in front, although they then had to absorb a period of pressure as the visitors upped their game.

However, Finch were able to cope and could have added to their lead in the closing stages, Gavin Rolls, Alexander and Wing all going close.

Finchampstead stay one point clear of Penn & Tylers Green, albeit that the second-placed side have three games in hand.

Finch host AFC Corinthians in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup this Saturday (1.30pm).

Eversley & California continued their fine start to the Combined Counties League Division One season with a 1-0 success at Staines Llamas.

The opening exchanges were fairly even but Brad Smith’s fierce 25-yard strike in the 50th minute secured the spoils for the Boars, who sit second in the table having won seven of their nine games so far.

The Boars host Farleigh Rangers at the ESA Sports Ground this coming Saturday (3pm), before travelling to Camberley in the Challenge Cup on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

Sandhurst Town did not have a game last weekend, although they were due to visit Cobham last night (Tuesday).

The fifth-placed Fizzers – who are enjoying a far better campaign than last season – will look to maintain their encouraging form when they welcome Windsor Reserves to Bottom Meadowon Saturday before visiting Frimley Green next Tuesday.