Gornal Athletic were made to battle for a huge three points on the road as goals from Bradley Maslen-Jones and Jordon Sangha secured a 2-1 win against a resilient Bustlholme side.

Gornal started on the front foot with a number of set pieces applying good pressure on the Bustlholme goal. Jordon Sangha’s free kick forced the Bustlholme keeper into a smart but simple save and Nathan Jones’ effort from range would rise just over the bar. The hosts struggled to get a foothold in the first half as a string of half chances came Gornal’s way.

Sam Bratt-Wyton cut inside and forced the Bustlholme keeper into a good save, turning the ball around the post. Shortly after he delivered a wonderful left-footed cross into the path of Adam Callinswood but the keeper again kept the scores level. Ethan Delaney then beat his man on the left corner of the Bustlholme penalty area before whistling a shot just beyond the post.

The opening came in first half stoppage time after a lovely one-two between Bratt-Wyton and Callinswood forced the defender into a challenge that gave away a penalty. Bradley Maslen-Jones made no mistake from the spot for his 9th league goal of the season, his powerful low strike beat the keeper despite him getting a hand to it.

The second half began with an instant Bustlholme equaliser as Gornal lose the ball from the kick off and Callum Stokes is caught by surprise and beaten from distance. The goal got Bustlholme’s tail up and a spell of pressure for the hosts followed but they were unable to create any clear-cut chances.

Gornal regained control of the game and a barrage of corners follow, finally the breakthrough and a second Gornal goal comes when Jordon Sangha’s effort is adjudged to have crossed the line despite protest from the Bustlholme players.

Gornal went in search of another to double their lead, first with Nathan Jones bursting through the defence but his strike whistled across the face of goal before Callum Lloyd sent a header just wide of the post. In the end the one goal lead was defended well as Bustlholme were reduced to shots from range and crosses into the box that were claimed well by Stokes as Gornal held on to the three points.