Stamford AFC beat Halesowen Town in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division

Stamford moved five points clear at the top of the Northern Premier League Midlands Division table after victory over second-placed Halesowen Town on Saturday.

A double strike from Jonathon Margetts secured the vital victory for the Daniels who attracted a season's best attendance of 897 to the Zeeco Stadium for the crunch clash.

Both sides also finished the fiercely-fought contest with 10 men with Rob Morgan being sent off for Stamford and Halesowen's Nathan Hayward following shortly after as he picked up his second caution of the game.

Stamford had made just one change to their starting line-up from last week's win at St Neots with Marshall Willock coming in for Sean Wright after returning to the Daniels' ranks following a spell with Ilkeston Town.

Both teams were quickly out of the traps but neither could assert any early dominance with clear-cut chances at a premium in the opening exchanges.

Connor Bartle brought Halesowen goalkeeper Daniel Platt into action as he dived full length to turn away a free-kick from the Stamford left-back who then headed wide from an excellent crossfield pass by Joe Burgess.

The Daniels were starting to get on top as the half wore on with Jack Duffy, Burgess and Harry Vince all having shots blocked.

The hosts also had a decent penalty shout turned down after Margetts appeared to be upended after a strong run in the box.

The deadlock was then broken just past the half-hour mark as Bartle's long throw was flicked on by Willock and Margetts pounced to net from close range.

Halesowen briefly rallied with a couple of setpieces and a whipped free-kick which were dealt with by Stamford goalkeeper Ben Heath.

The Daniels then had a good chance to double their lead late in the half as Platt miscued his clearance which fell for Margetts but Stamford's top scorer steered the rebound wide of the Yeltz goal.

A lighting start to the second half saw Margetts nearly profit from a defensive lapse by the visitors who then went close as Heath's clearance cannoned off Willock and rebounded narrowly past the post.

Willock saw a header from a corner cleared off the line by Rob Evans before home goalkeeper Heath came to Stamford's rescue.

A pinpoint cross picked out McKauley Manning whose precise downward header looked to be heading for the far corner of the home net only for Heath to magnificently finger-tip it to safety.

It was to prove a vital stop from the Stamford goalkeeper as the Daniels doubled their lead shortly after.

Evans sent Margetts tumbling in the box and the Stamford striker made no mistake from the spot as he picked himself up to send Platt the wrong way and put the Daniels in control of the contest.

Margetts could have completed his hat-trick moments later when he powered over a header from a corner and Halesowen made the most of the reprieve by cutting the deficit.

Simeon Cobourne cut in from the left and drilled home a low finish past Heath to bring the Yeltz back into the match after 66 minutes.

Platt made a decent stop to foil a low shot from Ollie Brown-Hill with Margetts' follow-up being scrambled clear as Stamford looked to restore their two-goal advantage.

However, they lost Morgan with 18 minutes remaining when he was red-carded for a reckless tackle.

But Halesowen were unable to make the most of their one-man advantage as Hayward was sent off seven minutes later after collecting his second caution of the game when he hauled down Jack Duffy after being booked in the first half.

Brown-Hill went close again for the Daniels but Platt was again equal to his effort with a tidy save while Kieran Morris rose highest at the other end to meet a setpiece but could only guide his header straight into the grateful arms of Heath.

It was to prove to be Halesowen's last clear-cut chance of the game as Stamford saw out the last couple of minutes plus stoppage time with some dogged defending and industry through their hard-working midfield.

The final whistle sparked scenes of celebration in the home camp as the jubilant players and management lapped up the accolades from their delighted fans.

Although there is still more than half of the season still remaining, Stamford now find themselves in a very strong position for a side that usually gets better as the campaign moves on.

Stamford: Heath, Currie, Bartle, Vince, Blunden, Willock, Burgess (Morgan 67), Jake Duffy (Bennett 80), Jack Duffy (Frew 90), Margetts, Brown-Hill. Subs not used: Challinor, Mellors-Blair.

Halesowen: Platt, Ezewele, Tonge (Dudley-Toole 86), Turton, Morris, Evans, Donnelly, Hayward, Insall, Manning (Gregory 62), Cobourne. Subs not used: Quaynor, Kelley, Redhead.

Attendance: 897.