FINCHAMPSTEAD FC had to survive a second-half scare as they held on to secure a 4-2 at Sandhurst Town in the Hellenic League Division One East derby on Saturday.

The visitors enjoyed a dream start when Freddie Barron put his side in front after chipping the ball home from a square pass from Kylo Atkinson in the first minute.

Chace Jewell then tested Fizzers’ goalkeeper Matt Watson, and Finch doubled their advantage on 16 minutes when Barron this time turned provider for Atkinson to get on the scoresheet.

Henry Lee fired over the bar for Sandhurst before Richard Hughes also had an effort for the home side, working Neil Griffith in the Finch goal.

The lively Jewell was again denied by Watson midway through the half while Barron could not quite control the ball when given half a chance from a Richard Thomas free-kick.

Finchampstead lost Sam Green following a clash of heads which resulted in him being taken to hospital for a check-up, but his side went 3-0 up before the interval when Atkinson headed home from close range on 40 minutes.

The visitors appeared to be well in control, but Sandhurst began the second period in determined fashion and cut the gap when Sean Delfosse found himself unmarked and was able to beat Griffith on 53 minutes.

The same player then latched onto a Michael Stepney free-kick to head home and make it 3-2 on the hour mark, and they had a chance to equalise when Griffith had to deal with a Hughes header.

Delfosse headed wide as Sandhurst turned the screw, and Finch finally sealed victory when substitute Sam Gore strode through in injury time to beat Watson and ensure the three points.

Finchampstead climb to third in the table with 33 points from 21 matches, although they have played more games than many of the sides just below them in the standings.

Finch host Rayners Lane this coming Saturday, while ninth-placed Sandhurst Town host promotion hopefuls Woodley United (both 3pm).

  • A LEWIS Robson penalty and an own goal gave Eversley & California a 2-1 win against Staines Llamas in Division One of the Combined Counties League.

The sixth-placed Boars will be travelling to Cobham on Saturday (3pm).