CIRENCESTER Head Pro Ed Goodwin tightened his grip on the Total Triumph Order of Merit with his runner-up finish in the latest Gloucester & Somerset PGA Medal at Naunton Downs.

Goodwin shot a one over par 72 to miss out on the winning prize by just one as Bath Golf Club’s touring professional Charlie Cossins, who won on the PGA EuroPro Tour last season, shot level par.

It was another consistent day for Goodwin, who enhanced his chances of winning the Order of Merit title for the first time.

His front nine was bookended by bogeys to start and finish it with a single birdie coming at the fifth. He claimed another birdie at the tenth but suffered a setback when racking up a double bogey five at the short 14th. Two more birdies at the 15th and 17th repaired that damage but unfortunately he gave one of those shots straight back at the closing hole to card a 72.

He boasts a now-sizeable lead at the top of the table with two months of the season remaining.

Third place was shared by three players on 73. G&S PGA captain Daryl Kelley and Cotswold Edge’s Rod Hibbitt strengthened their respective top three Order of Merit positions with solid performances.