Bishops Cleeve returned to the top of the Hellenic Premier with a hard-earned win away at previous table toppers Brimscombe & Thrupp.

A second half goal from Harrison Reeves was all that could split the sides as the Mitres claimed a 1-0 victory.

The Mitres started brightest early on, Jack Watts unable to make the most of the cross from new signing Joe Selman.

The hosts didn’t have their first shot until half an hour in when former Mitre Harlie Price was unable to trouble the keeper, having turned the defender.

Man of the match Leroy Odiero and Watts’ both saw efforts saved before Jordan Annear was sent through on goal.

As Annear went for the chip, the opposition keeper Gavin Jones crashed into him outside the area.

Jones only received a yellow much to the dismay of the Cleeve bench.

The Mitres started the second half strongly and just after the hour mark they got their reward.

Countering after a home side attack, Annear sent the ball wide to Reeves who was able to confuse the defender before placing his shot in the far corner.

The goal lit a fire in the hosts, a goal line clearance from Reeves required to keep the Mitres lead intact.

Cleeve were able to hold out for the win to leapfrog their opponents to top spot and they will be on the road once again this weekend when they travel to Bradford Town.

Meanwhile in the Hellenic League Division One, Cheltenham Saracens missed out on a chance to go top as they drew 1-1 at home to FC Stratford.

The visitors took the lead from Jagjit Aujla after 13 minutes before Sarries equalised on the 30-minute mark thanks to a tricky free kick played in by Toby Soule.

Neither side were able to break the deadlock thereafter with the hosts going down to ten when Luke Hitchman was shown a second yellow.

Saracens will travel to Hereford Pegasus on Saturday for a 3pm kick-off.

Elsewhere, Bourton Rovers found success away at Cirencester Development with goals from Joseph Boote and Danny Way handing them a 2-1 win.

The result sees them leapfrog their opponents into 15th spot as they prepare to take on bottom of the league Abingdon this weekend.