Battling United provided more evidence of their determination to climb away from relegation danger with a well deserved and comfortable victory at Walton & Hersham.
Paul Armstrong put in a fine all-round performance and he put United in front on 17 minutes. The youngster ran on to a ball over the defence and, as keeper Blake came out of the area, Armstrong got in first and headed bravely over Blake from the edge of the box. Despite a valiant attempt, Humphrey was unable to prevent the ball from going into the net.
Apart from Coates heading into the sidenetting, attacks from the home side were few and far between as United competed and won every tackle. By the break United should have added to their lead as Gary Crawshaw and Kevin Davies twice forced Blake into saves.
Five minutes into the second half United had achieved a two-goal cushion. Phil Mason launched a free kick into the box, Scott Honeyball caused the Walton defence problems and Cliff Hercules rolled back the years to pounce home from close range.
This put United firmly in the driving seat, confidence visibly increased, and Armstrong in particular gave his marker a torrid time down the right flank. From an Ollie Stanbridge deep far post cross the unmarked Davies headed just wide, perhaps he was looking to see how many visitors were entering Walton & Hersham's versio of the millenium dome behind the goal!
Five minutes from time United completed their deserved win. Craker pushed Crawshaw down in the area for a penalty. Crawshaw picked himself up and took the spot-kick, Blake did well to tip it onto a post, and as the ball rolled along the line Crawshaw fired it into the empty net.
