Bradenham Wanderers 1, Long Stratton 0

Bradenham thoroughly deserved to win this Anglian Combination Division One game at Hale Road against second-in-the table Long Stratton despite having to play the last half-hour with only 10 men.

The game was played on a good surface in front of a large crowd, and the visitors forced four early corners, the last of which was well saved by Butters.

On 23 minutes a fine shot by Bush was well saved by the Long Stratton keeper, and 10 minutes later Spalding shaved the bar with a tremendous right-foot shot.

The first half remained goal-less.

On 52 minutes Bush was through on goal but his shot was blocked, but six minutes later Bradenham scored the only goal of the game with a Spalding volley.

Long Stratton immediately tried to get back into the game and Butters saved at the second attempt.

A few minutes later Bush scuffed his shot after being put in the clear by a super pass from Naylor.

Bradenham were down to 10 men after an hour when the competitive Hancy was sent off for a dangerous tackle, having been previously yellow-carded for questioning the referee's decisions.

Immediately after the dismissal the visitors missed the easiest chance of the game when a forward shot wide from two yards with the keeper already beaten.

However, from this point, and despite being a man short, Wanderers showed tremendous spirit and Bush went closest to increasing the lead.

His free-kick was hit just wide of the left post, and then, after mesmerising the visitors' defence, he shot across the face of goal.

Just before the end Bush again went on a great run before chipping the keeper but also, unluckily, just clearing the bar as well.

There were times when it was easy to see why the visitors are doing so well, but the Bradenham back four were equal to everything that was thrown at them.

Bradenham continue their climb up the table, and next game they entertain Reepham Town in what should be another entertaining game.