Another fine day at The Griffin brought a second win of the season for Wanderers who, thanks to results elsewhere, saw them go top of a division for the first time since topping the SSEC Jr Division 1 back in April 2021. The day began with a couple of changes to the starting line up to last week's draw with Tooting Bec A: Anton 'AJ' Johnson replacing Portmann in the back 3, Ben Church starting ahead of Muhamadou Touray in midfield and Joshua Lucema & Jonny Lecoutre both making their full debuts in place of Joseph Rojas and Jamayne Rudder respectively. Southern Athletic, recently relegated from JD1, came into the game with 3 points from their opening two games having lost to Tooting Bec and then beating Worcester Park Res last weekend. The opening 10 mins, as always was rather cagey from both sides as they adjusted to the long yet narrow dimensions of pitch 2. The centre of the pitch was congested which made any play through the middle nigh impossible. Wanderers looked the more chaotic of the two sides but limited Athletic to very little besides decent spells of possession in the two thirds of the pitch and crosses into the box which were generally comfortably defended. However, it was from one of those said-same crosses that Southern Athletic took the lead. After working the ball down the Wanderers left flank, Southern's dangerman, Ricardo, worked an angle to try an inswinging cross on his left foot. The cross evaded everyone and went towards the back post where Elliot Domm was waiting. But, in his attempt to knock the ball out for a corner kick, he inadvertently hit on the wrong side of the post and agonisingly into his own net. At one-nil down and momentum firmly with the away side, Wanderers finally resorted to keeping the ball on the ground and working down the flanks. Confidence and the quality of football suddenly increased. Suddenly, Jonny was able to get the ball and drive at the defence and cause problems. When Peter wasn't being wrestled with to deny counter attacking situations, he was twice sent through on goal only for a bobble, a loose touch or a good tackle to deny him a clear sight of goal. Ben Church had a chance from a freekick, 20 yards out from goal, but his low effort was blocked by the Athletic wall. Momentum had shifted and Wanderers sensed a break through was imminent. Wanderers persistence eventually paid off 5 mins before the halftime break via a set piece. Ben Church elected to play a short corner into Keion who steadied himself before delivering a wonderful floated cross towards the back post. Peter Harris leapt like a salmon to head home unopposed from a yard out to nab a well deserved equaliser. At the break, Joe Robinson & Muhamadou were brought on in place of AJ and Joshua. The second half started in the chaotic nature that dominated the first half - both sides aggressively pressing and forcing longer passes to go above the press. Southern Athletic had a slew of long throws and corners - a recent area of weakness for Wanderers. But David Bentley stood (and jumped) high, claiming and punching the ball (not players) away. When Wanderers were able to get the ball down, they were able to cut through the congestion zone and feed Jonny and Peter who were a constant threat. A nice counter attacking move down the left saw Jonny, fed by Keion, blaze clear from just beyond the half way line and his ball across the box was tapped in by Peter Harris at the far post - helping the club take the lead and plundering his 4th of the season. With Adam, Deshaan and Jordan Quilter entering the fray, Wanderers continued to play on the break as Southern Athletic kept stringing attacks together smartly but being denied by the Wanderers back 3 who were dogged and composed throughout. Ben Church sealed the victory with a stunning freekick (although, not according to Elliot) struck from 25 yards out from goal, thus sealing the victory. The only sour note from the game (aside from David being denied a clean sheet yet again) was the injury suffered by Muhamadou that cut his appearance short. With 8 points from the opening 4 games, Wanderers are one of only two unbeaten sides left in the division which is looking to be just as competitive as ever with wild results that pay no respect to the form book. Next week, Wanderers travel to Leatherhead to face Fetcham Eagles.