Brimscombe & Thrupp Res 2

Bourton Rovers 3

CHRIS MILLS nailed a last-minute winner to maintain Bourton Rovers' title challenge in Hellenic Div Two West.

With league leaders Kidlington Reserves losing on Saturday, Rovers are just a point behind with a game in hand – and have the mouth-watering prospect of hosting the table-toppers at their Rissington Road ground on Saturday.

For the match with Brimscombe & Thrupp Res they welcomed back Connor Teague, who renewed his partnership with in-form striker Adam Webley.

In the 12th minute Brimscombe broke the deadlock through Nicholas Rieger, but Bourton rallied and pressed their hosts for the remainder of the half – as evidenced by their 14 corner kicks.

The pressure finally told as Sam Mattock chased down a through ball and, helped by a goalkeeping error, found the back of an empty net.

The second half started with Brimscombe being awarded a soft penalty which was put away nicely by Rieger.

Substitutes Callum Trott and Chris Hughes entered the field of play and in the 58th minute an almighty goalmouth scramble resulted in Mattock scoring his second.

Both teams went all out to win and in the 85th minute Brimscombe broke clear.

Bourton's 'keeper Kevin Goodwill was required to pull off an excellent save with his feet in a one-on-one with the Brimscombe striker, but the follow-up shot from a supporting midfielder was heading for the net only to be kept out by an outstanding goal line header from defender Callum Trott.

Bourton then piled on the pressure at the other end and after a flurry of corners Mills rose to head home Bourton's winner in the 90th minute to conclude an excellent game played in the right spirit by two footballing teams.

Bourton manager Scott Powles said: "I was delighted by the players' attitude throughout the game and they all showed amazing character to come from behind on two occasions.

"I think we owe Callum Trott and Chris Mills a massive thank you for aiding us to walk away with the points today. We will get our heads down now and focus on Shrivenham on Tuesday night and Kidlington on Saturday at Rissington Road.

"I would also like to thank the travelling support who have been amazing this season and again today.

THERE will be a BBQ from 1pm on Saturday and the Bourton Rovers will be open from 12pm to encourage another good turn-out at Rissington Road for the final home game of the season.

There is no entrance fee for this fixture.