Non-league round-up: Tooting bounce back with jittery win at Molesey – JJ Hooper takes Bromley into Kent Senior Cup final
Tooting & Mitcham United bounced back from their first defeat in 12 games to revive their push for the play-offs – but only after holding on in a nervy win at lowly Molesey.
They had a 3-0 half-time lead almost whittled away completely early in the second half and lost defender Peter Wedgeworth as the hosts fought back.
Daryl Coleman gave the Terrors an ideal start with a goal from the penalty spot after nine minutes.
And the visitors were firmly in the driving seat when David Carty and Danny Bassett – with his 14th of the season – increased the lead in the final six minutes of the half.
But Marley Hamilton pulled one back for Molesey just after the turnaround and a further goal from Ryan Marklew before the hour mark, followed by a red card for Wedgeworth, ensured Tooting needed to be on their guard to hold on to the three points.
The hosts also ended the game with 10 men after keeper Alex Kozakis was sent off for bringing down Isaiah Jones.
With seven matches to play in the Isthmian League South Central Division, Tooting are six points behind Westfield, who occupy the final play-off spot. Cheshunt, who have two more points than Westfield, and sit one place above them, are the visitors to Imperial Fields tomorrow.
Bromley are through to the Kent Senior Cup final after a 1-0 win at Tonbridge Angels. A close-range tap-in from top scorer JJ Hooper in the 18th minute settled the outcome. In the final, the Ravens will play Maidstone United, who overcame Gillingham on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Fisher travel to 16th-placed Tunbridge Wells, still very much in with a shout of landing the SCEFL Premier Division title.
They remain second after Saturday’s 4-2 win at Bearsted, four points behind leaders Corinthian, who have a game in hand. But Cray Valley PM, just a point behind Fisher, have two games in hand and are also in contention. The Millers – who have former Charlton striker Kevin Lisbie and ex-Dulwich frontman Gavin Tomlin in their ranks – are in action in the FA Vase semi-final second leg at Canterbury City tomorrow.
Picture by Keith Gillard