Back-to-back away wins have lifted North Greenford United up to third place in the Combined Counties league - and kept the dream of landing the title alive, writes Patrick Hillier.
United followed up a 3-2 win at Horley Town on Saturday with a 2-0 win at Cobham on Tuesday evening and now trail only leaders Bedfont Green (by nine points) and second-placed Epsom & Ewell (by four).
Greenford scored a goal either side of the interval to secure their third win in a row in midweek. United had the better of a lively opening period at Cobham and took the lead on 13 minutes when
Jamie Diston found space inside the box to drive home a Michael Murray corner.
The spirited home team emerged fired up for the second period and made United work much harder, forcing errors and creating chances of their own. But United keeper Gary Jallow was not seriously tested as moves tended to break down in the final third.
The move of the match that led to United's second goal with just 15 minutes of the game remaining. Andre DeLisser, Ricky Pither, Gary Senior and Michael Murray were all involved in a quick passing interchange that ended with Jack Bennett receiving the ball unmarked in the Cobham box. Bennett finished in style, keeping his composure before placing the ball across McGregor into the far corner.
On a difficult pitch at Horley, United trailed 2-1 at the interval but battled back to claim the points.
After surviving early pressure from the home side, United took the lead on five minutes with their first significant attack of the game.
Murray played a lovely defence-splitting pass out to DeLisser on the right and DeLisser drove to the edge of the box before unleashing a powerful strike across Horley keeper Simon Lockwood into the far corner.
United were hit when central defender Alfie Patterson went off with ligament problems, forcing a reshuffle and Horley got themselves back into the match as Greenford's back four tried to adjust to their new positions.
On 15 minutes, Horley striker striker Sam McCarthy, forced a save from Jallow but Joey Collewijn slotted home the rebound.
Ten minutes later Horley midfielder Kieran Lavery was first and strongest to a loose ball inside the Greenford half and he made a powerful run before hitting a great shot into the corner which gave Jallow no chance.
To their credit, United didn't panic and worked their way back into the game with an equaliser on the hour.
Hibbs and Murray combined to release Gary Senior wide on the left and the striker kept his composure before coolly placing the ball round the advancing Lockwood.
United continued to press and defend well and looked the team most likely to nick a third goal. Then, with five minutes remaining, DeLisser drove in a superb low cross from the right which Horley centre half Danny Guscott sliced into his own net as he tried to clear the danger.
United will be hoping to continue their winning run at Raynes ParkVale this Saturday.
