Wealdstone moved up to top spot in the National League South courtesy of a 3-0 win away at Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday.

The two sides, whose grounds are separated by little more than 18 miles, have both enjoyed good starts to the season, but goals from Michael Phillips, Dennon Lewis and Jacob Mendy did the business for the Stones as they moved to the summit.

A rather cagey opening quarter of an hour came to life on 17 minutes when a wonderful Connor Smith cross from the right found Phillips to steer past Sam Beasant for his first goal of the season.

That was to be Smith’s only major contribution though, as he was forced off through injury after 37 minutes, replaced by Mendy.

As the first half was coming to a close, the visitors started to create more opportunities and they were rewarded for their work on 43 minutes when Lewis headed in his first goal for the club from Phillips’ ball in.

Wealdstone’s attacking intent continued in the second half and they continued to pepper the goal with shots. Phillips and Nick Arnold were both denied in quick succession by Beasant, who was doing his best to keep the scores down.

There was at last something for Norwich loanee Aston Oxborough to do for Wealdstone later in the second half. He kept out Isaac Galliford with a comfortable save.

Three minutes later, his side put the game beyond doubt as Danny Green whipped in a brilliant free-kick and, despite Ross Lafayette being denied by a terrific Beasant save, Mendy was alive to loop the ball back over the keeper and make it three.

Oxborough was alert to make sure there wouldn’t be an instant reply from Hemel by keeping out Galliford again, and that ensured it was three points and a clean sheet for the Stones as they moved to the top.

Next up for Dean Brennan’s side is Hungerford Town at Grosvenor Vale on Saturday before the long trip down to Weymouth on bank holiday Monday.