Published: 12 January, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

PLAYERS from Hampstead Ladies FC couldn’t have asked for a better start to the new year as they beat Knaphill 5-1 on Sunday to open up a five-point lead at the top of table in Division One of the London and South East Regional League.

Despite missing a raft of key players through injury, John Baker’s side raced into an early lead when girl-of-the-game Mel Tomilin hit a stunning half-volley into the top corner.

Knaphill equalised but Hampstead didn’t take long to restore their lead courtesy of a stunning 30-yard chip from Sam Caplin.

The game was put to bed two minutes into the second half as Tomilin played the perfect through ball for Becky Barnes to slot home.

Captain Ellie Bard then set up Caplin for her second of the game, before Barnes wrapped up the scoring with her 41st goal in just 40 games.

After the game manager Baker said: ”You never know to what level the girls will have retained their fitness and touch after the Christmas break, which always makes the first game back a completely unknown quantity.

“Thankfully we were by far the sharper team, and the girls worked their socks off and avoided a potential upset.”

Hampstead’s win was made even more vital as title rivals Fulham Compton suffered a shock 4-2 defeat away at Luton Town Reserves.

Next up for the table toppers Hampstead comes a tough game away against Carshalton on Sunday.