CHIPPENHAM boss Steve White described goalkeeper Mark Hervin as 'Mr Reliable' after he battled through a bout of flu to help his side to an impressive victory at in-form Grantham on Saturday.

The shotstopper braved the illness to produce an outstanding save to preserve an early lead given to them by clinical striker Sam Allison. Substitute David Gilroy, returning from an arm injury, doubled the advantage with just three minutes remaining.

Hervin has only missed two matches for the Bluebirds this season and White had been worriedhe was not going to be well enough to play against Grantham.

He said: "His save was excellent and kept our 1-0 lead. We were not sure that he was going to get through the game but he has been so reliable for us this season."

Since the arrival of manager Lee Glover, the former Nottingham Forest star, Grantham have risen up the league table and are now within touching distance of the play offs.

And White was delighted that his side could pull off a convincing victory against a team that had won their previous four league home games.

He said: "We knew the game would be a challenge and they are capable of winning games.

"We have reached high standards again. The team were well worthy winners and created four or five clear cut chances.

"It was a great team performance and the three at the back were outstanding, Grantham never really troubled us.

"The two strikers were superb but we have to protect them and keep them fit."

The win kept Chippenham three points clear at the top ahead of Bedford, who won at home against Solihull.

With the Southern Premier Division still tight up the top White is keeping an eye on a few of the teams that he feels could challenge Chippenham for the top spot.

"We would not swap our league position with anyone, I am wondering how many teams might make a sustained push, but they need to do it now. Some one will need to put a few back-to-back wins together.

"We just need to collect enough points but have to stay focused. The team cannot go thinking it will be easy, sides in this league are not easily beaten and we have to respect every opponent."

Chippenham dominated the match and took the lead in the sixth minute. A fine display of slick passing between midfielder Mark Badman and striker James Constable set up Allison, he ran at goal and calmly chipped over the advancing keeper Mario Ziccardi.

With the Chippenham defence in fine form striker Tim Wooding's curling free kick, which went narrowly wide of the post, was their only real effort.

In the second period the Bluebirds pressed to kill the game off and came close when Allison's long-range effort was well saved from Ziccardi.

In the dying minutes the goalscorer turned provider when a magnificent run saw him speed through the Grantham defence.

He ended the fine piece of individual skill by squaring the ball for Gilroy to score the side's second goal.

"After coming through January with a lot of wins under our belt we have set them new targets," White added.

Chippenham: Hervin, Regis, G Thorne, Mcentegart, Herring, Wilmot, Badman, Kirk, Allison, Constable, Walker.