After a late switch of the fixture to Almondsbury’s pitch, Thornbury Town ground out a vital win by the odd goal in three.

In a closely contested game, there was little to choose from between the two sides.

Home striker Ashley Knight was a constant menace and created a good chance early on, cutting a pass across the face of the goal that Kurtis Parkin tipped away before any Almondsbury player could apply a finishing touch.

The Thorns eventually settled and Marcus Wormwell and Harry Brock both had efforts that went wide before they took the lead on the half hour.

Luke Franklin’s inch perfect crossfield pass found Wormwell whose cross into the penalty area saw Craig Lancastle pushed over. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and Lancastle picked himself up to send Merry the wrong way for 1-0.

Town continued to press forward and Wormwell’s cross caused problems for the home defence before Sheppard headed clear before half-time.

The start of the second half saw Almonds on top and they thought they had scored as early as the third minute when they netted following a series of corners but the goal was disallowed for offside.

However they forced another corner a couple of minutes later and this time they made no mistake, Greenbury’s header giving Parkin no chance.

At this stage the hosts were well on top and Parkin tipped Rogers effort round the post.

The Thorns weathered the storm and regained the lead just before the hour mark when Luke Franklin’s shot was deflected for a corner. Toby Bennett’s set piece was met by Nathan Sage and for the second consecutive game the centre back’s looping header gave Merry no chance.

They then managed to survive some late pressure to gain three valuable points to move them up to second spot in the table.

This Saturday they will play Premier Division Virginia Water in the 1st Round of the Bluefin Sports Supplementary Cup.

Kick off at the Mundy Fields is at 2:00pm as both sides will look to progress.