Bourne Town beat Gresley Rovers in the United Counties League Premier Division North
Bourne Town continued their impressive away form to maintain top spot in the United Counties League Premier Division North with victory at Gresley Rovers on Saturday.
Second half goals from Will Bird and Tom Siddons kept the Wakes three points clear of second-placed Eastwood CFC as they extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 18 games.
It was also an 11th league win on their travels from 14 away Premier Division North games with the loss at Wisbech being their only defeat on the road so far this season.
Manager Michael Goode said: "It was a good three points because Gresley is a tough place to go and they're an improving side.
"We were ok without being brilliant.
"It was a really good away result and it's another away game ticked off which is crucial."
Bourne had gone close in the opening half as a fine save from the home goalkeeper Karamo Ceesay kept out an effort from Siddons while Zac Allen hit the post after a nice move.
Gresley were then reduced to 10 men when Tarun Rohilla was sent off for a late challenge on Richard Jones.
The Wakes struck the opening goal two minutes into the second half as Allen found Bird in the box and he swept Bourne into the lead.
Siddons sent another effort just wide moments later before Gresley were handed a way back into the contest after being awarded a hotly-disputed penalty when a home player went down in the area as Brad Marshall battled to win the ball.
Goalkeeper Dan Swan came to Bourne's rescue with a superb stop from the spot kick before making another crucial save late on.
Boss Goode enthused: "It was an unbelievable save and Swanny is in such good form at the moment.
"I've known him for years and he's playing as well as he's ever played at the moment.
"His hands are safe and he's saving us at least a goal a game. He will say that is his job but he's playing really well and you can see that he's enjoying his football.
"He was very good for us last season but he has really elevated his game to the next level."
Siddons then ended any hopes of a Gresley comeback when he drilled home his eighth goal in as many games with five minutes remaining.
However, there was one final blow for Bourne in injury-time as a needless pass back to Jones saw the centre-half lose control after taking a touch.
A Gresley forward nipped in to get to the ball first and was caught by Jones who was red-carded despite the home player being out wide with Marshall also in place to cover.
Subject to any appeal, it means Jones will miss Saturday's big FA Vase tie at Atherton Laburnum Rovers through suspension which causes a defensive headache for the Wakes as Marshall is also banned for one game.
Goode said: "It was a harsh decision and I felt it was only worth a yellow card.
"I was devastated for him and the team but I was also fuming at the same time.
"We have talked about it week in, week out about not over-playing in the wrong areas or being careful with passes on pitches at this time of the year.
"It was a good result and it helps us to keep rolling forward but it was slightly soured and it doesn't help for this coming weekend."
Bourne travel to face their North West Counties League Division One hosts on Saturday looking for a place in the quarter-finals of the national competition.