Tunbridge Wells 0-4 Erith & Belvedere

Erith & Belvedere remain the early pacesetters in the Kent Premier League following a convincing 4-0 triumph over Tunbridge Wells, largely thanks to a brace from ex-Wells frontman Dave Hassett, writes Thomas Hawes.

Deres winger Mark Nougher put in a good shift and was unlucky not to give the away side the lead with a cheeky lob from 35 yards on 20 minutes.

Three minutes later, Nougher was to get his goal, albeit from the penalty spot.
After a collision with Wells’ keeper Matt Bromby, Nick Smith was sent tumbling to the ground.

The referee showed no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot and Nougher stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to give the Deres the lead.

Six minutes later, it could have been 2-0 to Erith & Belvedere. Matt Johnson, who had a fine game in midfield, fired an exquisite ball out to Smith.

The former Lordswood striker raced forward and instead of attempting a shot for his sixth goal in four Kent League outings, he laid the ball on a plate to strike-partner Hassett.

Just when Hassett was about to pull the trigger, Bromby was on hand to diffuse the situation.

Hassett would only have to wait another fifteen minutes for his first competitive Deres goal.

Once again Nougher and Johnson played a part in the move and it was Nougher who played a tantalising ball over the top for Hassett to run on to.

Hassett latched onto the ball and charged towards goal before showing a deft touch to dink the ball over the onrushing Bromby.

Erith & Belvedere were well worth their two-goal lead having dominated the first period.

The second half was much the same with the away side having the better of
the game.

On 65 minutes, Hassett scored his second to make it 3-0, this time a routine tap-in after some good work on the right-wing.

Despite the Deres dominance, Wells made good use of their attacks as Steve
Gibbons had a goal disallowed and Andy Garrett rattled a shot against the
crossbar.

It was the Deres day though and the rout was completed when Smith
raced through on goal and coolly slotted the ball past the helpless Bromby
to keep up his fine start to the season.

Erith & Belvedere bounced back from their defeat to Croydon with the help of new midfield signing Drew Watkins, who joins the Deres from Ryman Leaguers Cray Wanderers.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Erith & Belvedere welcome Erith Town to Park View
Road for a local derby knowing that a win will be essential to stay top of
the early Kent League table - before welcoming Ryman League Division One South club, Ashford Town to Park View Road on Friday night in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.