Looking to build on last Saturday’s point against Haywards Heath Town, the Hillians started brightly, with Jordi Ndozid curling his effort inches over after just a couple of minutes. On fifteen minutes, Martyn Box’s dangerous cross was inches away from the on-rushing head of Samson Doherty. The hosts’ first effort came in the 34th minute, with Jason Thompson heading onto the roof of the net. The best chance of the first half fell to Josh Spinks, as another delicious delivery from Box caused the Oaks problems, but the Hillians centre half glanced his header inches wide of the post. In truth, the Hillians controlled proceedings in the first half without being able to capitalise on their dominance – with five yellow cards making for a very stop-start affair.

HT 0-0.

Sevenoaks started the second half much brighter – as Joe Tennant’s early effort flew just high of Alfie Jones’ crossbar. Another three bookings in the space of five minutes(!) gave both teams little chance of playing any free-flowing football. A game that appeared to be petering out for a goalless draw was turned on its head, sixteen minutes from time, as substitute, Dan Parkinson arrowed his effort into the bottom corner to break the deadlock. Alex Laing came close to sourcing an immediate response, but his left-footed strike was turned round the post by Ben Bridle-Carr. Deep into added time, the Hillians had one final chance, but Laing’s free-kick just had too much on it, sailing over the hosts crossbar.

FT 1-0.

A rather frustrating afternoon for the Hillians, who if capitalised on their early dominance, should’ve left Kent with something to show for it.

We return to the More Than Tyres Stadium on Tuesday evening – as Phoenix Sports make the trip down south.

Report by Jack Naldrett.