SOUTH Park fought off a partial comeback to close the gap on Knaphill by beating them 5-3 in their Combined Counties Division One clash.

The visitors made five changes, including Chris Roberts in goal as cover for Park's trio of injured goalkeepers.

Knaphill made the brighter start, but Park took the lead on 14 minutes when O'Sullivan's neat through ball found Mottram who rounded the keeper to score.

The lead was doubled two minutes later after West's ball over the top allowed Mottram to turn provider for Parker who calmly scored from eight yards at the second attempt after the keeper's initial block.

Knaphill, despite their hard work in the middle, rarely troubled Park's defence in the first period.

Jones went close with a long-range volley before, on 43 minutes, Park increased the lead when Parker's through ball allowed Mottram to run on to it and beat the defender before chipping the keeper from 16 yards.

Manager McElligott had warned his team that substitute Baker, returning from a lengthy lay-off, would cause his team problems.

West was replaced by Whiting-Balcombe early in the second period. Knaphill's left winger cut inside and hit the bar from 20 yards. The warning was not heeded and on 58 minutes Knaphill scored from a free kick from 20 yards.

Almost straight from the restart Knaphill were awarded another free-kick on the edge of the area and Hogsden scored after a flick on.

Park, under pressure, fought back, but were grateful to Roberts for making three fine saves.

Park restored their two-goal lead on 74 minutes after a partially cleared corner by Smith found Mellows, who headed home from 10 yards.

Park grabbed their fifth when the tireless O'Sullivan drilled a 50-yard pinpoint pass to Smith on the left.

He rolled the ball across the area for Mellows to calmly net from 18 yards. Baker scored his second in the final minute.

South Park entertain Hartley Wintney on Saturday.