CHESHAM United suffered a blow in the race for the BetVictor Southern Premier South title after a 2-1 defeat against Hartley Wintney on Saturday, writes Rob Stevens.

The Generals had not tasted defeat in their three previous league matches and coupled with Truro City securing a draw with Taunton Town sees them a point behind the leaders.

Hartley Wintney appeared to take the lead inside four minutes at The Meadow when Joe Gater headed home a cross from Marley Ridge, but it was disallowed for a push on a defender.

The visitors were awarded a penalty as Matt Drage headed across goal and the shot from Gater was blocked at close range by the arm of Kyle Watson. The resulting spot-kick was converted by Tyron Smith on 10 minutes.

Chesham won a penalty of their own when Zak Joseph was pulled back inside the box by Nathan Smart. Hartley keeper Luke Williams dived the right way but the spot-kick from Dave Pearce good enough to put the ball low into the bottom corner in the 14th minute.

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Hartley restored the advantage as Smith hit the post with a shot from distance before Smart followed up and crossed the ball for Sam Argent to score on 76 minutes.

Chesham were due to make the trip to promotion rivals Tiverton Town on Tuesday, but the match was postponed on Monday when the pitch at Ladysmead failed an inspection.

Bucks Free Press:

PHOTO: Dave Pearce scored from the spot for Chesham United in the defeat to Hartley Wintney on Saturday.

The Generals make the trip to mid-table Farnborough this Saturday (3pm) looking to complete the league double after a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture back in November.

Beaconsfield Town saw their three-match unbeaten streak come to an end following their 1-0 defeat against Gosport Borough last weekend.

The Rams had not tasted defeat since the loss at Wimborne Town four weeks ago, but this most recent loss sees them remain in the relegation zone and two points safety but with two matches in hand.

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Gosport scored the only goal in the game at Holloways Park when Ryan Woodford climbed highest at the back post to head home from a corner kick in the second half.

Beaconsfield came close to an equaliser as James Ewington side-footed a shot towards goal from a Mayowa Balogun cross, but a defender cleared the effort off the line.

The Rams can climb out of the relegation places with a win at Poole Town on Tuesday night (7.45pm). Beaconsfield won the reverse fixture 2-1 at Holloways Park a little over two weeks ago.