Market Drayton Town began a run of four successive away matches with a crucial victory as they edged nearer the Midland Alliance title.

The table-toppers were 3-2 winners at Westfields last night to move 11 points ahead of second placed Barwell, the only other realistic challengers in the championship race.

Barwell do have a game in hand at Stratford tomorrow night, and Drayton manager Simon Line recognised the importance of securing maximum points in Herefordshire last night.

“It was vital to get the win last night because it keeps the pressure on Barwell,” said Line.

“They might slip up at some point but we just have to focus on our own jobs and make sure we keep getting three points.”

Drayton were forced to do it the hard way at Westfields having fallen behind inside eight minutes, the hosts capitalising on a rare defensive lapse.

The leaders failed to take advantage of a host of set-pieces during the first half, but cranked up the pressure after the interval.

They were back on level terms within a minute of the re-start when Tom Rogers lashed home from 25 yards.

Tom Ward then rifled into the net from close range to put Drayton in the lead, before Rogers scored his second and Drayton’s third on 75 minutes.

There was to be a late twist with two minutes remaining when Paul Bowyer headed through his own net under little pressure, but the visitors held on for a priceless triumph.

“The scoreline was probably a little bit closer than the actual game,” said a delighted Line. “We were a little bit apprehensive in the first half and looked like we were in our shells.

“But we stepped up the tempo after half-time and had the chances to score five or six.”