Paul Malone scores the winning goal for Bourne Town in their United Counties League victory over Melton Town

Paul Malone marked his Bourne Town debut by scoring the winning goal as the Wakes moved three points clear at the top of the United Counties League Premier Division North table after victory over Melton Town on Wednesday.

Malone - who has signed on dual registration with Southern League club Harborough Town - headed home the match-winner with seven minutes remaining of the contest at Sign Right Park.

Tom Siddons - who had shrugged off an ankle injury sustained at the weekend - had earlier given Bourne a first half lead which was cancelled out five minutes after the break by a leveller from Kairo Edwards-John.

Bourne were without influential skipper Robbie Ellis for the midweek trip to Leicestershire while Martin Tudosa also came back into the starting line-up following the draw at home to Newark Town on Saturday.

Melton started brightly and Wakes defender Brad Marshall was forced into a crucial early block before goalkeeper Dan Swan palmed away a decent strike.

Bourne then came into the game took a 10th minute lead when Siddons netted his seventh goal in seven games with a close range finish after Zak Munton's initial effort had hit the crossbar.

Munton then saw an effort against his former club well saved by home goalkeeper Will Harrison before having a shot deflected to safety after Siddons' initial attempt had been saved.

Melton went close on a couple of occasions as the first half drew to a close and then levelled shortly after the restart when Edwards-John curled inside and drilled home a low finish.

The Wakes again reacted well and a superb save from Harrison kept out a Siddons header while Swan did well at the other end to deny Melton in a one-on-one.

Zac Allen fizzed a shot narrowly over the home crossbar while Siddons was again denied by a fine stop from Harrison with Jack Wilson's follow-up being blocked for a corner.

From the resultant set piece, Malone powered home the header to secure the win which moved Bourne clear of second-placed Eastwood CFC with the title rivals having played the same amount of games.

Bourne are now unbeaten in their last 17 games in all competitions and travel to Gresley Rovers in the league on Saturday.