Combined Counties League Premier Division

Banstead 1

Chertsey 1

FOR some reason, Chertsey left some of their "big guns" on the bench and Banstead duly took advantage, earning a point.

More than a hundred spectators saw Banstead – 17th, but five games unbeaten in the league and fourth in the form table – took on one of the teams fancied for promotion.

Boss Paul Norris was delighted.

"That's four points out of six we've taken from them this season," he said. "Defensively, all the back four and Brady held firm. I am changing things from game to game, to try to keep players fresh. "Players don't like being left out, but I have to do what's best for Banstead Athletic."

The football Banstead played was not easy on the nerves or eyes at times, but they are becoming difficult to beat.

They came through a test of their defending in the final 20 minutes.

Banstead could have opened the scoring as early as the sixth minute, but Zak Graham's shot was cleared.

Chertsey took the lead virtually straight afterwards.

The ball looped over keeper Brady's head as he tried to save it and Dean Papali finished the move.

Sol Patterson-Bohner caused problems for Chertsey, holding the ball up and bringing in other players. Town's Treacher shot wide as the A's defence was put under pressure.

Chertsey were playing the more controlled football and on several occasions could have gone further ahead. Banstead but moves together, but could not finish.

On the stroke of half-time Banstead were awarded a penalty when Graham was brought down by a raised leg. There were howls of protest from the Chertsey team and management.

Gavin Quintyne calmly slotted the ball into the net from the spot.

In the second half, Brady was the busier keeper, but Banstead came into the game.

Chertsey, with long balls and use of the wings, caused some trouble, especially the long throws of Goddard, but the A's defence stood firm.

On 83 three minutes Brady made a fine save. Tom O'Rearden then had the goal and Brady at his mercy but blazed over.

Banstead: Brady, Frimpong, Patterson, Jelley, Davidson, Hawkins ( capt), Chalke, Quintyne, Graham, Patter-Bohner, Cole-Bolt, subs used: Baptiste, Dilloway, Sammut, not used: Wallace, Dewer.