Mill Hill 1 - 5 Chiswick Three key moments decided the game and they all went Chiswick's way. The most crucial came early into the second half when Apay Oway-Obanga, who had minutes earlier brought the score back to two one, created a one on one with the keeper.

He had lost his marker with a cunning run and was picked out by the ebullient Craig McIntyre. Racing to the top of the D, Apay executed his trademark whirling dervish turn to protect the ball. But the keeper was taking no prisoners and went straight through the gangly striker as though he were no more than a patch of early morning mist hanging over the chilly Compton pitch.

Immediately the umpire formed his arms into a L in a manner so familiar to Mill Hill defenders but probably only seen by the rest of the nation on Saturday evenings during the BBC's high-quality "Hole in the Wall" show.

With the rest of the team clamouring for the opportunity, Pete Lazlett greedily seized the ball and with it the chance to draw his side level. His penalty flick, however, was saved by the keeper who had somehow remained on the pitch after his bulldozer tackle.

Chiswick's own second goal also had an element of controversy, being scored from a short corner rebound from a shot that was clearly too high.

Their third came in similar circumstances, a high shot beating the diving Mike Ellis, but this time the ball had legitimately deflected off the onrushing Mill Hill defender.

After that Mill Hill pushed forward like Scott of the Antarctic through the freezing weather and suffered the consequences. Ultimately, it may not matter, reports suggest five teams are likely to be relegated and it will soon be mathematically impossible for Mill Hill to escape the drop.