Bourne Town beat Radford in United Counties League Division One

Bourne Town negotiated a potentially tricky away test to maintain their title charge on Saturday.

The Wakes were 2-0 away winners at Radford in their United Counties League Division One clash.

An own goal from Conor Moore and a Will Bird effort ensured the Wakes maintained their nine-point lead at the top of the table after an excellent away display.

Manager Michael Goode said: "It was a good all-round performance in what is a tough place to go.

"We were totally professional in how we took our chances. We were solid in the first half and then really good after the break."

The Wakes had made the trip to Nottingham without centre-half Matt Cox and attacker Josh Edmondson.

Midfielder Shaun Archer was also serving a one-match suspension following his sending off in last week's home draw with Saffron Dynamo.

The Wakes handed a debut to new signing Zac Allen who has joined from Spartan South Midlands League side Sileby Rangers, having previously played for Daventry Town.

Goode commented: "Zac was recommended to me. I did my research on him and everything that I had heard was good.

"He looks like a really good player. He's left-footed and runs all day and has quality on the ball. He was excellent."

Both sides had chances in the opening exchanges with Mitchell Tait seeing a header go wide for the hosts while James Hill-Seekings sent a shot just past the post for the Wakes.

Jevin Seaton also went close for the hosts before the deadlock was broken just past the half-hour mark.

Zak Munton swung in a free-kick from outside the area which under pressure home defender Moore headed into his own net.

That was enough to give Bourne the lead at the break and they doubled their advantage nine minutes into the second period.

Newcomer Allen took a corner which picked out Bird who shrugged off a first half facial injury to head home and put Bourne in control of the contest.

The Wakes then had a gilt-edged chance to put the contest beyond their match when Munton drilled in a low cross which took a bad bounce to elude the unmarked Bird.

Radford continued to look for a way back into the match but Bourne stood strong to secure their 20th league win of the season.

Goode commented: "Radford are a good side but we were pretty dominant by the end where our fitness came through. We were still running them ragged.

"We have also grown and learned late in the game where we're managing it much better. We're not trying to maybe score that third goal in the last five minutes. We're just keeping the ball and not panicking."

Bourne now face a massive match on Saturday when second-placed Clipstone are the visitors to the JJ Mac Stadium.