Walton & Hersham0

Bishop's Stortford1

(Ryman Division One)s=10FIVE wins out of five, including last weekend's victory over Walton and Hersham, have pushed the Blues into the top three of the Ryman League Division One.o

s=9Stortford were still missing Carl Fannon and Tyrone Hercules through injury and Owen Beale was only fit enough for the substitutes bench.o

Martin Hayes' team selection was further hindered by the unavailability of Trevor Paul and Troy Braham, so two new signings were given their debuts.

Lee Double, who can count Dagenham and Redbridge among his previous clubs, played on the right wing and frenchman Joel Marie Sainte, once on the books of Paris St Germain, slotted in at right back.

After a goalless first half, the second period saw Stortford move up a gear and create more chances. Andy Purcell and Vinnie John both had shots pushed out by Luke Garrard in the hosts' goal before the Blues deservedly took the lead on 61 minutes.

A right wing cross from Double found its way to the far post, where Riches' crisp shot gave Garrard no chance and sparked ticker-tape celebrations on the terraces from the away fans.

Stortford introduced all their substitutes as players tired in the heavy conditions and Walton continued to rally as they searched for an equaliser.

But the Blues held on, and Glen Southam nearly added to their lead when his shot from the edge of the area was palmed away by Garrard in stoppage time.

With Ford United's game with Carshalton being called off, the result allowed the Blues to move into the top three.

Hayes said: "It's a lot nicer to be up this end of the table than the other. October has been a good month, bar one game, and we have played pretty well.

"We're about a third of the way into the season and there are teams at the top who have not lost that as many games as us so we could drop once the teams around us have played their games in hand.

"We've got to keep in touch with the leaders and not let them get too far ahead."

Tomorrow night, Bishop's Stortford travel to Stotfold for an East Anglian Cup tie, (kick off at 7.45pm) and the FA Trophy campaign gets underway on Sunday when the Blues travel to Wealdstone, kick off 3pm.