CHESHAM United had a good start to the new year by moving up to second in the table.

The Generals ended 2011 with a 2-0 win at home to struggling Arlesey thanks to first half goals from Simon Thomas and Steve Wales.

That pushed them up the Southern Premier League table and they stayed there without playing yesterday as other results went their way.

Fellow front runners Leamington and AFC Totton were both defeated and Oxford and Chippenham were held to draws.

Beaconsfield SYCOB are now seven points off the pace in the Central Division after a surprise 1-0 home defeat against AFC Hayes on Saturday.

They recovered from that to beat Aylesbury 3-1 yesterday thanks to a Charlie Mpi brace and an injury time goal from Victor Osubu, but they are seven points behind leaders Slough who beat them on Boxing Day.

Slough then beat Marlow 3-0 yesterday to leave the Blues three points adrift at the foot of the table, despite picking up a rare clean sheet in a goalless draw at home to Daventry in 2011's final game.

Chalfont St Peter had a mixed holiday period, being hammered 5-1 at home by St Neots on Saturday before beating Burnham 3-1 on Monday after goals from John Carroll, Terrell Lewis and Charlie Strutton.