White's winner edges Puritans closer to play-offs

A solitary goal from Callum White earned the Puritans three more premier division following Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Chesham United at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium.

Chesham started the better of the two sides but United soon worked their way into the game and began to have the better of proceedings.

A corner from Tom Winters was cleared straight back out to the winger who returned the ball into the six-yard box where a scramble ensued with Ricky Johnson lifting the ball over the bar from close range.

Moments later Johnson put Zac McEachran through but keeper Richard Hayward was alert enough to come out smartly to narrow the angle and smother the midfielder’s effort. Just before the interval Conor McDonagh’s shot from the edge of the area was deflected over the bar by Adam Martin.

But it was Chesham who finished the half on top with Jack Harding tipping away Dave Pearce’s deflected shot. From the ensuing corner the ball fell to Drew Roberts at the far post but he shot just wide.

United were much improved after the restart and a near post cross from Winters was headed just over by Johnson. Just before the hour mark Winters crossed the ball deep to the far post where the incoming McDonagh saw his header smash against the post before the ball was scrambled away.

United continued to dominate and put Chesham under pressure. A cross-field pass from Winters picked out McEachran but his shot was tipped over the bar by Hayward.

Another corner from Winters saw Luke Carnell head over but the winner arrived in the 68th minute when a superb pass from McEachran sent the overlapping White away and he turned inside before beating Hayward.

In the closing stages, Winters saw his 30 yarder go just wide and substitute Manny Duku had a couple of good chances that were not taken. At the other end, Chesham pressed but failed to seriously test Harding.