Isthmian League round-up: Wins for Herne Bay, Sheppey United and Cray Valley in Isthmian South East

Herne Bay claimed a fourth successive Isthmian South East victory to move into the play-off places.

Bay won 2-0 at Phoenix Sports thanks to a goal in either half from leading scorer Michael Salako - taking his tally for the season to 17.

Leaders Ramsgate saw their trip to Horndean postponed due to a frozen pitch, enabling second-placed Cray Valley to close the gap to 11 points with three games in hand.

Steve McKimm’s men won 1-0 at third-placed Lancing thanks to a second-half winner by Marcel Barrington.

Sheppey are up to sixth following a late winner at home to Littlehampton Town.

Dan Bradshaw’s close-range header from a free-kick put the Ites ahead early in the second half.

Brad Dolaghan levelled for the visitors before birthday boy James Taylor converted Danny Leonard’s cross in the 90th minute.

What a way to celebrate your birthday - A winning goal by James Taylor

Footage from our friends at @rygsportsfilm pic.twitter.com/3Sk0GOOBIz

There were defeats for Ashford United - 1-0 at home to East Grinstead - and bottom side Beckenham, who went down 4-0 at Chichester.

Mark Stimson’s winless start to life as Margate manager continued after his team lost 2-0 at home to Bognor in Isthmian Premier.

Gate remain three points outside the drop zone after second-half goals from Tommy-Lee Higgs and Dan Clifford proved decisive.

Folkestone picked up a point at lowly Haringey Borough after a goalless draw in north London. Dean Rance and Louis Collins both made substitute appearances for Invicta after joining the club earlier this week.

Chatham’s trip to Wingate & Finchley proved a fruitless one as the referee deemed the pitch unplayable while Cray Wanderers’ clash at Whitehawk was also postponed.