Harpenden Town soared to the top of the Spartan South Midlands League Division One with a 3-1 win at home to Winslow United – their ninth straight success in the league.

It has been a remarkable turnaround for the Rothamsted Park club who drew three and lost one of their opening four league games.

And they had to do it the hard way on Tuesday night, coming from behind to a Jim Davey goal in the first half.

But Harry Hunt grabbed two, taking his tally for the year to 12, and Tom Collin completed the triumph.

However, it wasn’t all about the attacking end of the pitch with keeper Connor Sansom in brilliant form in the Harpenden goal.

Manager Danny Plumb said: “Winslow are the best team we have played this season and they will be in the reckoning at the end.

“So I am really pleased we came back from 1-0 down. The team showed lots of character.

“Connor in goal produced a magnificent save when we were behind and also tipped over a free kick which was going into the net.

“The way we started the season I would have taken two straight wins but full credit to the players.”

This was a tight game played at a cracking pace.

Winslow went ahead after 20 minutes when Davey, with his back to goal, pulled off an overhead kick which shot into the corner of the net.

They could have been two ahead within two minutes but for Sansom’s point blank save.

Harpenden drew level shortly after when Hunt raced onto a clearance, beat the last defender and shot round the keeper.

And they were in front midway through the second half.

Mike Davies’ cross fell for Hunt who turned and slotted the ball away.

The result was confirmed with quarter of an hour to go when Collin headed home a Phil Smeaton free-kick.

They will be looking to reach double figures for victories on Saturday when they travel to Broadfields United.