Goals in each half from Dylan Hart and Izak Reid, plus some heroic goalkeeping from Haydn Whitcombe including a first half penalty save, helped City to a 2-1 victory over Corsham Town to move three points clear at the top of the Hellenic Premier Division at Christmas, with three games in hand.

The most notable change to the starting line-up pre-match from City boss Chris Cornes was the inclusion of Dylan Hart up front in place of Jamie Insall, following Hart’s goal the previous weekend against Boston Town. The other notable change was Cam Monteith in place of the suspended Calvin Dinsley.

After a cagey opening 15 minutes, Corsham were presented with an early opportunity after attacker Simpson was brought down by Whitcombe after a flick towards goal, which the referee adjudged as a penalty. Number 7 Swann stepped up for the visitors, but his penalty was tame and Whitcombe guessed the right way, proving himself as a penalty expert this season.

The game looked to be heading towards half time as a stalemate until Logan Stoddart forced a corner from goalkeeper Kelsey, having to tip over from a header by the right back that looked to be looping towards goal. From the resulting corner, skipper Mace delivered a fantastic near post cross met expertly by Hart, powering a header into the top corner of the net, justifying his Manager’s decision to include him from the off. A huge moment for both Dylan Hart and City in the context of the season, and the title race.

Into the second half and Corsham drew level in the 53rd minute. After City had failed to clear a free kick, and after Adam Mace was brought down in a challenge to which the City players were furious a foul was not given, an effort towards goal rattled the City post before the rebound was tucked away by captain Cooper. Just eight minutes into the second half and Corsham were level.

City’s heads didn’t drop however and minutes later Liam Lockett brought a good save out of Kelsey, a half volley from a throw-in on the left. Belmonte also went close, twisting and turning under pressure in the box before firing over the bar.

The winner came just before 70 minutes. Connor Gater, receiving the ball in his own half, lofted an inch perfect ball over the top of the Corsham back line. Izak Reid, timing his run perfectly, beat the offside trap and ran clear on goal with just Kelsey to beat. Taking his time, Reid struck the ball straight through the onrushing Kelsey and into the back of the net, sending the City fans behind the goal wild.

Corsham pressed for an equaliser but were met at every opportunity by a defiant Whitcombe. City’s number one put in another exceptional performance to ensure that his goal wasn’t breached a second time, including one spectacular stop from a Corsham free kick which dropped into the box, and was met on the half volley, instinctively diving to his left.

City kick off the festive schedule with arguably their biggest result of the season, sending them three points clear at the top of the table with three games in hand. Next up, the Worcester derby at Claines Lane on Boxinf Day versus Worcester Raiders, who themselves fell to defeat on Saturday, 1-3 at home to Fairford Town, who City face next Saturday.