TEN MAN GROVE LEAVE CHEDDAR CHEESED OFF

The 17-year-old midfielder's shot into the top corner was the only goal of the game at Bowdens Park, a game that saw the Cheesemen dominate possession but being unable to pierce a superb defensive performance from the fast-improving Grove side. Even more impressive was the fact that Grove scored the late winner having lost striker Simon Knight to a straight red card eight minutes earlier; the result lifts Jamie Hillman's side up three places in the table as they finally begin to reel in the teams above them.

The manager was hit by the late withdrawal of both Aidan Jones and Jack Jones through illness as a bug ripped through the team. In addition Giorgio Mancini, Shaun Trott and Simon Knight were also affected by the sickness but had to start the game. Ellis McDonald also missed out through injury too.

The first half was a 45 minutes of few chances with the home side having the clearer opportunities through Ben Griffiths, Callum Laird and Ricky Bennett but the visitors' defence held firm. After the break, Cheddar thought they had taken the lead through Aaron Hooper but the goal was ruled out for a handball before Hengrove were reduced to ten men when Knight was sent off for retaliating after an off-the-ball incident.

Cheddar continued to have the lions's share of the proceedings but still couldn't penetrate a defence that has looked much tighter in recent weeks. And with seven minutes remaining, Burton was released down the left channel and the teenager held his nerve before arrowing a shot into the corner of the net.

The Grove held out for the remaining time and recorded their third clean sheet in eight games as the new look team continue to improve and blend in together. With players missing through suspension and illness today, plus three more starting despite being stricken with the same bug, this was a massive three points against a side that would have gone top with the victory having won five out of their first six matches. The Grove now have three wins and two draws from their last five outings and look forward to returning to Paprika Park next Saturday with a clash against Sherborne Town, kickoff at 3.00pm.