Craig Hammond, on the chase upfield

Hemel Hempstead 1 - 2 Cambridge City

CRAIG Hammond’s winner 12 minutes from time gave Cambridge City a sixth win in seven matches as they beat Hemel Hempstead on Saturday.

Depleted City took the lead on seven minutes when Lee Clift rounded the keeper and slotted home.

But Hemel were back on level terms just before half-time when Dave Pearce converted a penalty.

The second half was a scrappy affair, and it was left to Hammond to volley the winner in the 78th minute. The win keeps City third in the table, four points off top spot.

On Friday manager Gary Roberts strengthened his squad by re-signing former Cambrídge United midfielder Sam Ives. Ives had a short spell at City earlier this season after leaving Corby, but left after two weeks to try his luck with Blue Square Bet North Bishop’s Stortford.

But the 20-year-old found first team football hard to come by, and has returned to Milton Road. He was on the bench for Saturday’s match.