Hellenic Division Two West

Bourton Rovers 2

Moreton Rangers 1

BOURTON ROVERS have moved within one point of Hellenic Division Two West league leaders Kidlington Reserves – with five games remaining – after beating fellow promotion candidates Moreton Rangers in the Cotswold Derby.

Both teams knew that three points were a must as second (Moreton) played third and they served up a thoroughly entertaining game of football in front of a bumper crowd of 251.

Bourton played the more attractive football for the first 25 minutes but were caught on the break when Moreton's Matty Magee smashed the ball home with a great finish from 15 yards.

Bourton rallied and created a couple of good chances and should have gone into the break level.

The hosts changed their shape at half-time and were rewarded three minutes in when Chris Cooper played an excellent defence-splitting pass to Adam Webley. The in-form striker then burst into the box and finished calmly to send the Rissington Road crowd wild.

As Bourton piled on the pressure, Moreton defender Adam Shipman was dismissed for a second booking after a careless tackle on Sam Mattock.

Moreton then came under waves of pressure but worked tirelessly to fight off any Bourton threat on goal.

Bourton brought on winger Chris Hughes for the last 20 minutes and he and Connor Teague continually stretched the Moreton back line. Eventually the pressure told when excellent work from Bourton's midfield resulted in Webley squaring the ball to Mattock who tapped in with 10 minutes left.

Bourton had chances to extend their lead but were wasteful in front of goal. With minutes left, Bourton's 'keeper Andrew Herbert pulled off an outstanding save from the league's top scorer Lee Brooks to keep the score at 2-1.

Bourton's manager Scott Powles said: "Both teams and sets of supporters really contributed to an excellent game of football.

"Our lads came out after half-time full of fire in their bellies and looking to take all three points."

Bourton travel to Chalfont Wasps on Saturday in the last 16 of the Supplementary Cup. Meanwhile Moreton are in league action against leaders Kidlington, who travel to Bourton in the penultimate game of the season on April 22.

Bourton are seeking 2017-2018 sponsors so if you are interested in finding out more information please email bourtonrovers@gmail.com.