North Greenford United's fine recent run was ended on Saturday with a 3-2 defeat at an in-form Raynes Park Vale.

But at least they quickly put the disappointment behind them to maintain their interest in the Combined Counties League title.

A convincing 3-1 home win against Guildford City keeps United in third place - seven points behind leaders Bedfont Green and two points behind Epsom & Ewell.

Saturday's match was marred by several controversial refereeing decisions but North Greenford did not play particularly well against a Raynes Park side unbeaten in eight games after inflicting only a fifth league defeat of the season on United.

United began well enough and had the better of the opening 20 minutes. But Vale's back four, well protected by midfielder Jack Murphy, looked strong and United struggled to make an impact in the final third.

Midway though the half, Vale front man Nathan Turner was played in by strike partner David Ellard and made no mistake with a neat first-time finish past goalkeeper Gary Jallow.

Within a minute of the resumption, Raynes Park had extended their lead when referee Graham Matthews controversially awarded the home side a penalty against Jallow for bringing down Turner.

The penalty was well taken by Raynes Park's Ross Chalke who drove the ball hard and low into the corner.

United got a goal back within five minutes when for once the Vale defence failed to clear their lines and Ricky Pither was able to hook the loose ball past May for a welltaken poacher's goal.

But on the hour, left-back Scott Pearsall was adjudged to have fouled Vale's lively winger Jermaine McGlashan close to the touch line and from the resulting free-kick, Turner forced the ball home for his second of the game.

United pulled a goal back almost immediately - Andre DeLisser forcing home a Michael Murray free-kick at the near post. But despite chances at both ends, the score remained at 3-2.

On Tuesday, despite the persistent driving rain and a swirling wind creating tricky playing conditions, both teams did well to produce an attractive, flowing game.

United looked sharp and mostly controlled the play in all areas of the park.

The game was effectively won midway through the first half when Greenford scored three goals in the space of five minutes.

First, centre back Jamie Diston was on hand to guide a shot past Guildford keeper Jack Smelt when the ball was played back in after the visitors had only partially cleared a Michael Murray corner.

A minute later, a ball in from the left found Andy Myhill, who made a lovely little run across the edge of the Guildford box before firing a great shot into the roof of the net.

Then, a neat through ball allowed Ricky Pither to get in behind the City defence for a stylish finish into the corner.

Guildford City clawed a goal back on the hour - Craig Moore converting a penalty.

United entertain Hartley Wintney this Saturday.