BGB Southern Midland - Stourbridge tighten grip at top

Mar 19 2008 By Nick Pullen

STOURBRIDGE strengthened their grip on the BGB Southern Midland Division play-off positions after clinching a 2-1 win over Chasetown, who were reduced to nine men following a fiesty contest at Amblecote last night.

Sam Rock fired Stourbridge in front after 20 minutes following a well-worked Damien Whitcombe free-kick.

The Glassboys increased their advantage 11 minutes later with a controversial goal.

Stourbridge's Gavin Winsper challenged Chasetown goal-keeper Lee Evans to a Craig Slater cross, which resulted in the shotstopper dropping the ball.

Rock followed up with a header that was blocked on the goal-line before Nathan Bennett forced the ball home. Chasetown had Todd Perry sent off after 54 minutes for a foul on Rock.

That didn't stop the Scholars reducing the deficit with a 73rd-minute Danny Smith strike.

Their ranks were depleted further when central defender Andy Penny was dismissed for pulling back Rock.

Rushall Olympic remain right behind Stourbridge after a 1-0 win at rock-bottom Berkhamsted.

Richard Beale rifled home the only goal from the penalty spot after Lee Jones handled Junior Brown's goalbound effort on 39 minutes.

Romulus stay on the fringes of the promotion race following their 1-0 win at Woodford United, Seb Hamilton continuing his good run of form in front of goal by netting the winner.