Mark Smith helped Hampton and Richmond Borough back to the top of the Ryman Premier League, and preserved the perfect start to his third spell on loan with The Beavers, after a 4-0 win over VCD Athletic on Tuesday night. The 20-year-old goalkeeper rejoined the South West London side on Friday, before their 5-0 win over Needham Market, and enjoyed another comfortable evening as Alan Dowson's side proved too strong for their Kent opponents. Smith's long clearance helped set up the first goal for Jerome Federico on the half-hour and the result was all-but confirmed by the interval as Tom Beere, and then Federico again, found the net. Brendan Kiernan added a fourth shortly after the restart as Borough went three points clear at the top of the table ahead of their visit to third-placed Tonbridge Angels on Saturday.
It wasn't such a good night for James Ferry and Welling United as The Wings made it 16 matches without a victory after a 2-0 defeat away to fellow strugglers Torquay United. Nathan Smith grabbed the opener on the hour heading home Dan Butler's corner and Butler was provider again ten minutes later as Iffy Allen tapped home for The Gulls. The defeat leaves Welling without a win since October and seven points from safety ahead of Aldershot Town's visit to Park View Road on Saturday.
This weekend also sees Jota's Eibar host Las Palmas in La Liga on Friday night while Hemel Hempstead Town and Audrius Laucys take on Bath City in the National League South. Tonight Daniel O'Shaughnessy will be hoping to be involved as FC Midtjylland travel to Old Trafford, leading 2-1 on aggregate, for the second leg of their Europa League Last 32 tie.