Banstead edged a tight contest with a 1–0 victory over Rochester United, with the decisive moment coming early in the first half through Sam Haughey.

The hosts started on the front foot and signalled their intent as early as the second minute, narrowly missing from distance. Their pressure paid off in the 14th minute when Haughey capitalised on a defensive lapse. His initial effort was saved by Rochester goalkeeper Luke Watkins, but the rebound fell kindly for him to fire home and give Banstead the lead.

Banstead continued to threaten, particularly from set-pieces and long throws. Around the 22nd minute, another dangerous throw-in caused problems in the Rochester box and nearly resulted in a second goal. Rochester, however, remained in the contest and created chances of their own, with their goalkeeper also called into action at the other end to keep the deficit at one.

The game opened up as the half progressed. Banstead struck the crossbar in the 28th minute and forced several more opportunities before the break, including a dangerous corner and a left-footed effort that drifted wide. Rochester had a golden chance just before half-time, but their striker fired over, leaving the score 1–0 at the interval.

Rochester showed more urgency in the second half. Luke Adams tested the Banstead goalkeeper early on, forcing a save that led to a corner, though the resulting header was comfortably claimed. Despite improved attacking intent, Rochester struggled to convert their pressure into clear-cut chances.

Banstead remained dangerous on the counter and from set-pieces, coming close on multiple occasions. They were twice denied by heroic goal-line clearances from Rochester defenders, who worked tirelessly to keep their side in the game. A well-organised offside trap also helped Rochester manage Banstead’s attacking threat late on.

Substitutions from both sides added fresh energy, but neither team could find another breakthrough. Rochester pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, even appealing for a penalty during a promising break, but the chance went begging as the shot flew over.

In the end, Banstead’s early goal proved decisive in a competitive match where both sides created opportunities, but neither could add to the scoreline.

Full Time: Banstead 1–0 Rochester United

Attendance 93

Banstead Athletic

Edwards, Lee,  Draper, Smith, Wilkshire, Helder, F,Haughey, Allchurch (C, Andrews, 86’), S,Haughey, Danby (Hyett 61’), Croix.

Subs not used: Talboys, Ajayi,  Duncanson

Rochester United

Watkins, Parker, Lott (Bowen 59’), Payne (Church 86’), Whitaker (C), Loynes, Wilkins, Adams, Obasa (Reilly 80’), Ngegba (Jakubowski 75’), Akhazzan (Cutler 87’)