Banstead boss Paul Norris is urging his Athletic side to build on their weekend heroics after earning an unexpected point at Combined Counties league leaders North Greenford United.

The 0-0 draw in a tetchy clash that saw three sendings off was a more than deserved bonus for the Merland Rise outfit.

And Norris is hoping for more of the same when his side host fellow strugglers Raynes Park Vale this weekend.

He said: “To be honest I was as shocked by it as everyone else.

“I do not know where that performance came from.

“To be fair to the players we have been playing well recently, but getting a point away to the leaders is a different thing altogether.

“We were well worth a draw.

“Now the key is for us to take this forward as our upcoming games all appear to be winnable.”

Sol Patterson-Bohner saw red for Banstead after an ugly challenge with North Greenford’s Luc Kenny who was also dismissed, along with United’s Jack Lisi.

And Norris had no complaints about the decision.

He added: “Both of them went in two-footed for a ball and their player was rolling around crying like a baby.

“Sol was sent off which I expected, but to his credit the ref sent off their player as well when he got to his feet.

“The final sending off was very frustrating as our player was clean through and cynically bought down.

“Who knows what would have happened as Ross White was one-on one with the keeper, but that is all ifs and buts.”

Now it is on to Raynes Park Vale, but Banstead will be well aware of the 4-1 hiding they suffered earlier this campaign.

Norris added: “We have a much stronger squad now and are far more confident.

“The commitment is there and the results are coming and we can look forward to the remainder of the season.”

Banstead Athletic’s next three matches: Feb 20 Raynes Park Vale (a), 27 Bookham (h), Mar 2 Chessington & Hook (h)