IAN Benjamin hailed Soham fans’ steadfast support after his side picked up a vital win over promotion-chasers Bedfont Town on Saturday.

Soham Town Rangers 1

Bedfont Town 0

IAN Benjamin hailed Soham fans’ steadfast support after his side picked up a vital win over promotion-chasers Bedfont Town on Saturday.

The Greens have endured some miserable results of late but two wins in the last two games has lifted spirits around Julius Martin Lane and Benjamin singled out the efforts of the club’s fans for helping to boost his side.

“To go to Burnham and get a result was a really good effort and to follow that up with a 1-0 win on Saturday against a very good Bedfont side was a great result.

“I thought we were very well supported by the fans, they really got behind the team and gave us the boost we needed to turn things around and pick up a couple of important wins.”

Though the victory failed to propel Soham clear of the drop zone, Beaconsfield’s draw with fellow strugglers AFC Hayes ensured the Greens made ground on the teams immediately above them.

The game itself was a largely even affair in the early stages with the vast majority of the action being played out in the centre of the field, Soham’s Michael Simpson and Rogan McGeorge acquitting themselves admirably.

The first real opening came after 17 minutes as wide man Deakan Napier delivered a corner into the heart of the area, with Scott Carter leaping highest to power his header home.

Napier went close moments later after a jinking run but he fired wide and Bedfont’s Reis Stanislaus also spurned a decent opportunity as the game opened up.

Early in the second half, McGeorge saw a shot from distance well gathered by the visiting keeper while Soham’s Dan Bircham was also called up to deny substitute Jon-Jo Bates on several occasions as well as having to race off his line to thwart striker Louis Dennis.

Bedfont continued to push in the latter stages, but the resolute Soham defence did a commendable job of restricting their opportunities.

“I think the key to getting a couple of wins has been getting back to basics in defence,” said Benjamin. “We just needed a little bit of experience and maybe also that little bit of luck that we have been missing.

“If we can continue to work hard and play like I know we can then I don’t see why we can’t get another win at North Greenford on Saturday.”