A LATE winner from Wimborne Town lifted them to the summit of the Southern League Division One South, defeating Evesham United 2-1 at home.

Aaron Heap had given the away side the lead on 25 minutes, with Wimborne unable to respond until the second half, Harry Morgan converting a penalty.

Eight minutes from time Sam Griffin popped up with what proved to be the winner, lifting Magpies back up to first with three games remaining.

With a game in hand on league leaders Frome Town but level on both points and goal difference, Magpies knew that a positive result would re-establish their position at the top of the table.

After victory last time out at Willand Rovers, boss Tim Sills made three changes to his side.

Jez Bedford made his first start since returning from a lacerated kidney injury, whilst Griffin and Cam Munn were also brought into the starting XI, replacing Matty Neale, Lewis Beale, and Jack Lovell respectively.

There would be an enforced change just 14 minutes into the affair; central defender Connor Cocklin receiving a gash to his head necessitating his replacement by Sam Roberts.

The hosts enjoyed sustained pressure on the Evesham goal without too much for the away keeper to worry about.

One of Oakley Hanger’s numerous free kicks was sent goalwards, Benjamin Taylor tipping it over his crossbar.

Despite Wimborne’s possession, it would be the away side who would lead.

A nice-worked move culminated in Williams Owens teeing up Heap inside the box, Ross Flitney powerless to stop the finish in the Wimborne goal.

That slightly turned the game on its head, with Magpies now having to withstand pressure from their guests.

However, just like Wimborne’s own consistent spell of possession, Evesham were unable to carve open any clear-cut chances.

A half-time team talk clearly galvanised the home side, who came out of the break with renewed purpose.

After going close with an effort, Bedford was proving to be dangerous to the Evesham defence – and so it proved, after they fouled the midfielder inside the box.

Morgan stepped up from the spot to equalise on 55 minutes, giving Wimborne a decent chunk of time to find a second and take a three-point advantage in the title fight.

After huffing and puffing, Wimborne would find their winner late on.

A scramble in the Evesham box from a free kick led to the ball running loose; Griffin sliding in to regain possession and steer the ball into the back of the next.

Wimborne face second-placed Frome Town this Saturday at New Cuthbury.

Magpies: Flitney, Hanger, Walker, Cocklin (Roberts, 14), Jackson, Scorey, Griffin, Morgan (Carmichael, 66), Bedford, Munn (Lovell, 72), Stuttle.

Unused subs: Baker, Neale.