TUNBRIDGE WELLS knew it would be a tough battle at home to Blackheath & Old Elthamians to retain their three-point lead at the top of South Premier League Division Two, and so it proved at Kent College.
Wells got off to the perfect start, with a long aerial ball being intercepted by Blackheath, only for Harry Roberts to steal it and beat a defender before calmly slotting home in the first minute.
Then Ben Allberry picked out Sam George who found himself one on one with the keeper and, after dragging the ball to his left, fired into the bottom corner on his reverse stick.
Blackheath finally came into the game and pulled back one goal before half-time.
But in the second half Wells always looked dangerous on the break, despite Blackheath having the majority of possession and territory.
From one counterattack, quick movement saw it the ball fired to the far post where Kyle Mathieson ghosted in to score.
James Harris produced a series of fine saves in the Wells goal so that Blackheath could only reduce the deficit to 3-2.
Having retained their lead at the top against the second-bottom side, Wells now travel to Trojans on Saturday (February 3, 1.30pm start).
Meanwhile Tunbridge Wells Ladies ground out a victory at Bishops Stortford with Ana Glubb scoring two goals to ensure the visitors stayed in third place in East Region Division One South.
Next the Ladies host Old Loughtonians at Hawkenbury on Saturday (February 3, 1pm start).
