Combined Counties League Division One
Farleigh Rovers 2 Sheerwater 1
NINE was the magic number for Foxes who triumphed yet again at a muddy Parsonage Field on Saturday.
Barry Regelous' pacesetters produced their ninth successive victory in all competitions to romp nine points clear of non-playing Worcester Park who have three games in hand.
The hosts carved out this hard earned latest success against fifth from bottom Sheers, avenging a 2-1 away league defeat last September.
Reserve team boss Sean Wallace was in charge of the visitors after the entire first team management left the club in midweek.
Foxes took full advantage of Sheers' changes but the hosts needed 34 minutes to break the deadlock when set-piece expert Liam Neaves' right-wing corner was not cleared properly and leading scorer Javaun Henry headed home with his back to goal, giving impressive goalkeeper Dan Smith no chance inside the near post.
Seven minutes later it became 2-0 as back to form midfielder Jamie Jagdeo shot home at the near post following another surging near post run from head coach Tim Moffatt and Martin Smith's miskicked attempt, earning an apparently comfortable interval advantage.
But Foxes do not make life easy for themselves, Neaves departing at half-time, being replaced at centre-back by James Brown following Danny Clayton's interval introduction, and the hosts let Sheers into the game with a consolation goal after 56 minutes, Ali Kamara firing home at the far post after Chad Goulter's cross from the left had been helped on.
Following a 75th minute double substitution, the visitors were left kicking themselves two minutes later when subs combined instantly, Max McGarrity cerossing from the right for Brian Chimbina to shoot over an empty net, with keeper Andrew Osei being grounded, when it seemed easier to score from close range.
The determined hosts made the most of their lucky let-off and should have increased their lead after 83 minutes when Henry, who had been denied repeatedly by Smith, saw his close range header rebound to safety off the crossbar following substitute Joe Chandler's left-wing corner.
Foxes survived six additional minutes allowed by impressive referee Peter Crichlow before celebrating in style at the club's Christmas celebration late into the night.
Foxes visit Dorking at Horley Town's New Defence on Saturday (3pm).
Farleigh Rovers: Andrew Osei, Dan Canning, Gary Webb, James Brown, Adam Cassim (capt), Liam Neaves (Danny Clayton 45 mins), Jack Naraine (Ellis Burke 72 mins), Jamie Jagdeo (Joe Chandler 63 mins), Martin Smith, Tim Moffatt, Javaun Henry. Unused subs: Luke Stevens, Richie Bull.
