Table toppers Erith and Belvedere extended their lead with a professional performance at second placed Stansfeld.

In icy conditions, in which the majority of the fixtures in the area were decimated, the ground-staff of Glebe/Stansfeld did a tremendous job in making the playing area safe for football.

The Deres took full advantage with a victory that took them twenty points clear in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division.

Despite the shock departure of their manager Tony Beckingham during the week, the Deres came out quickly and Tyrell Richardson-Brown and Bradley Ryan were both off target before they went ahead in the eighth minute.

George Monger’s free kick picked out Rob Strachan and he made no mistake with an accomplished finish.

Another free kick almost undid the hosts again. Ryan found Lewis Chambers but Charlie Cottrell saved his header at the second attempt.

Macey Malyon shot wide from distance for Stansfeld before Erith again went close when Tunde Aderonmu headed wide after Richardson-Brown had created the chance.

Ryan Johnson’s header from Monger’s corner drifted past the far post, then Richardson-Brown again found Aderonmu but he dragged his first time shot off target when he probably had more time than he realised.

Aderonmu made no mistake when offered another opportunity five minutes before half time. Clever footwork by Anthony Morrison created space for Ryan and his chip found the Deres’ striker who fired home giving Cottrell no chance.

After the break, Erith continued to press and Monger had a free kick saved before Aderonmu shot just wide on the turn against his former club.

Cottrell saved at the feet of Strachan before Erith might have put the game to bed with ten minutes remaining. Substitute Michael Hagan created the opportunity for fellow replacement Nathan Palmer but he slipped his shot just wide.

They might have paid for that moments later when they were hesitant in clearing and Dan Parkinson nicked it away. He squared for Billy Shinners but he fired high over Adam Molloy’s crossbar.

There were no further chances for either side. Erith and Belvedere’s next game is at Tunbridge Wells while Stansfeld travel to Welling Town.

Stansfeld: Cottrell, Borland (Mitchell 79), Beale (Friend 59), Summersby, B. Parkinson, Miller, Morley, D. Parkinson (Fowler 84), Milton (Day 74), Whitnell (Shinners 74), Malyon.

Goal scorers: None

Yellow cards: Morley, Fowler

Erith and Belvedere: Molloy, R. Palmer, Morrison, Wade, Johnson, Strachan, Richardson-Brown, Monger (N. Palmer 64), Aderonmu (Hagan 77), Chambers, Ryan.

Unused subs: Wilson, Lear, Walker.

Goal scorers: Strachan (8), Aderonmu (41)

Yellow cards: None

Referee: Myles Hewson

Assistants: Esther Perry and Thomas Marshall

Attendance: 65

Pictures supplied by Ed Boyden Photos.