Grantham Town Under 15s are top of the Junior Premier League

Grantham Town Under 15s scored a dramatic late winner to take the points in their top of the table Junior Premier League clash against second-placed Personal Best Soccer.

Having been beaten 4-1 by PBS back in November, their only league defeat of the season, the Gingerbreads were ready for another difficult match against the team from Norwich.

The opening exchanges were a little nervy with both sides failing to settle on the ball.

The first chance of the game eventually fell to Grantham as Zak Coleman drove a shot over the angle of post and bar from the left corner of the penalty box.

PBS responded with a long range effort of their own, which was held well by keeper Harri Bexon.

Neither team were able to settle into their passing rhythm, as the game became scrappy with both defences on top.

On the 20 minute mark, Rhys Stevens turned well in the box but couldn't connect enough with his shot and the ball comfortably rolled through to the goalkeeper.

As things started to open up a little, Town keeper Bexon had to be at his best, with PBS applying the pressure in a good 10 minute spell for the visitors.

Firstly, a powerful long range shot from the left moved violently in the air, but Bexon parried the ball out well, with the on rushing forward screwing the rebound wide.

Moments later a low drive at goal was clutched safely into the midriff of the home stopper.

Finally, the hat-trick of saves was completed in style as a curling left foot shot looked to be heading for the roof of the net, but for the diving outstretched hand of Bexon tipping the ball over the bar and out for a corner.

As the half time whistle blew, Grantham knew the onus was on PBS to press for the victory, with Town sitting a point above them in the table.

With this in mind, Grantham started to control the tempo of the game, keeping PBS at arms length, with neither side really creating any clear cut opportunities.

However, Nico Fossey picked the ball up 30 yards from goal and drove at the visiting defence. He found himself inside the box and tested the keeper, who was equal to it with a save to his left hand side.

With time on the clock running down and Grantham’s defence holding firm, PBS tried their luck from long range. A left footed effort from outside the area was claimed to his right by Bexon.

The game entered its final minute with the score at 0-0, a result that would slightly favour Town, but would still keep PBS in the mix for the league title.

Grantham, however, had other ideas. Maks Nowak picked the ball up on the left from a throw-in and drifted a pass out to the right side of the box.

Will Phillips arrived with a delightful first touch to control the ball and, with his second touch, smashed it into the roof of the net, prompting jubilant scenes among the players and all Grantham connections.

The final whistle blew seconds after the restart confirming the victory for Town.

With two games to go, the league championship is in their own hands. However, they will have to wait until March 23 before facing Peterborough Blues for an opportunity to seal it.