The prospect of life on the bench forced defender Matt Drage to quit Hampton & Richmond Borough this week, writes Stuart Amos.

The former Kingstonian centre back, a second half substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 triumph over AFC Hornchurch, has not started for the Beavers in three matches since the return of Moussa Diarra from Hemel Hempstead Town earlier this month.

Boss Alan Dowson had said Diarra and captain Kieran Murphy are his preferred pairing at the back for the campaign’s run-in, but Drage appeared to depart with no hard feelings.

“I would like to wish the boys and the management at Hampton & Richmond Borough all the best for the rest of the season,” he tweeted this week.

“Top club with top people, will miss the Bev!”

Drage’s most telling contribution was a 90th minute winner against Harrow Borough for a three points that could yet be crucial in keeping the Beavers in the Ryman Premier League.

Hampton, four points above the drop zone, are at play-off chasing Enfield Town tomorrow.