IN-FORM Louth Town moved up to fifth in the Northern Counties East League (NCEL) table courtesy of a 2-1 derby victory over Grimsby Borough.
Following a minor blip in midweek, the White Wolves took control of the Division One clash with first-half goals from Nick Manders and Andrew Willoughby, before surviving a late scare at Bradley Community Stadium.
Gary Deakins netted for Borough eight minutes from time, but it proved to be no more than a consolation as Louth secured their ninth win in ten NCEL outings.
Daryl Clare's side head to Appleby Frodingham tomorrow night (7.45pm), knowing that another victory will give them a huge chance of finishing third.
The White Wolves are five points behind Cleethorpes Town – who have finished their campaign – with two games remaining.
From the first whistle against Grimsby, it was visiting Louth who looked the hungrier – breaking the deadlock after only six minutes.
George Newby was then booked for Borough, with away forward Paul Goodhand forced from the field moments later when he sustained an injury.
In the 38th minute, after several close attempts at Grimsby's well-defended goal, Willoughby doubled the visitors' leader.
Running clear through on goal, the forward cooly slipped the ball underneath John Taylor in the home net – and it stayed 2-0 for the remainder of the half.
Frazer Finlay replaced player-boss Clare at the start of the second half, and it was not long before he was shown yellow for a late foul.
With Borough getting stronger as the game went on, White Wolves skipper Carl Martin set the standard in defence, and his hard work earned him yet another man-of-the-match award.
And in the 82nd minute, Grimsby managed to pull one back with a well-taken goal from Deakin – which made for a nervy final stage.
But the Whites Wolves managed to hold on, sealing their 27th point from a possible 30.
Manager Clare said: "We stood firm and our confidence was good. We have another three points and are pushing to get higher in the table than we have ever got before.
"I am very impressed and pleased with the points. We are within reach of the club's highest ever league finish which is a tribute to the resilience of the players."
"I also think it is absolutely important we keep playing in top form and keep the habit of winning as we approach the League Cup final."
That showpiece – against Thackley or Worksop Parramore, in Chesterfield – will take place on May 6 (Bank Holiday Monday).
However, the White Wolves must first see out their NCEL charge, starting with a trip across the A180 tomorrow evening.
