North 0, Vale Rec 1
ROB WAKEHAM was the hero last night as his goal saw Vale Rec keep the pressure on leaders Bels after picking up a rare away win in an enthralling Grand Fort Road derby at Northfield.

A header in first-half stoppage time by the impressive Wakeham was enough for the visitors to move eight points clear of their great rivals and six clear of St Martin’s, albeit having played a game more than both.

Despite a fierce late North attempt to grab an equaliser, the yellows held firm, led by a true captain’s performance by stand-in skipper Ross Elliott, who has stepped back in after a season’s break as if he has never been away.

His side did also ride their luck on the odd occasion, too, with Simon Tostevin having a potential headed equaliser chalked out for offside late on, while Sam Murray spurned a glorious late chance for the hosts.