Hastings set the pace

The only other teams to boast 100 per cent records are Metropolitan Police and pre-season favourites AFC Wimbledon who head the table on goal difference.

Hastings had enjoyed an impressive 4-1 victory at home to Fleet Town on the opening day of the campaign.

Manager Steve Lovell said: "There's a long way to go. We're not going to get carried away and I said to the players after Tuesday that I was disappointed with the performance. We didn't play particularly well but we got a result."

The only goal of the match came four minutes into the second half when Honey got up highest at a Steve Ringwood corner to power home a bullet header.

Hastings had chances to kill off the game during a purple patch of pressure but failed to make them count and were almost punished as Banstead twice went close to equalising in the closing minutes.

Hastings are on their travels again on Saturday August 21 with a trip to Walton & Hersham before welcoming Croydon Athletic to the Pilot Field the following Tuesday.