Boss Lee Bircham hailed a “massive” three points after Bovingdon underlined their Herts Senior County League title credentials with a dramatic 1-0 victory at Wormley Rovers.

Facing a side that had won their last six league games, the Premier Division leaders looked set to drop points in the top flight for only a second time this season on Saturday. But in the fifth minute of injury time a Courtney Massay delivery was headed back across goal by Ed Canham and right-back Jack Maynard buried his header to score his first of the campaign.

The victory keeps the Green Lane side six points clear of Letchworth Garden City Eagles and Ware Sports, having played at least a game fewer than both sides, leaving Bircham thrilled with how his side’s perseverance had paid off.

“I was delighted with how we approached the game and our patience,” he said. “I felt we were always on top but had to still be on our toes as a defensive unit as Wormley always looked dangerous on the break.

“[It was] great to see Maynard grab the winner. He doesn’t score many, in fact he doesn’t score any so it felt great to see all the boys jump on top of him when the goal went in.”

The Bovingdon boss also praised the “superb” contribution of captain for the day Stefan Bailey, who started his career at Queens Park Rangers.

“He did everything simple and used all his experience on a heavy surface,” said Bircham. “Considering he’s played in the Championship for QPR his attitude, performances and commitment since he’s been with us have been faultless.”

Bovingdon went into the game without skipper Matt Standen and central defender Martin Standen, but Bailey almost made the breakthrough after 15 minutes when he struck the post from 25 yards, before Andrew Ofosu screwed a shot wide for the visitors 10 minutes later.

But it was Wormley who were to have the best chance of the first half when their striker failed to get enough power on a header following a fine cross after their opponents failed to clear their lines.

Bircham’s side were again the stronger after the break but apart from a Connor Deadman shot that curled just over, it looked increasingly like a goal would elude them until Maynard’s late header.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Belstone’s hopes of closing the gap on the top three suffered a blow with a 3-1 defeat at Ware Sports.

Luke King scored a consolation as third-from-bottom Chipperfield Corinthians lost 3-1 at Letchworth Garden City Eagles, while second-bottom Evergreen were also beaten on their travels, 3-2 at Knebworth. Hamze Ali and Callum McCarroll netted in the defeat.

Bushey Sports Club advanced in the Aubrey Cup after winning 3-1 at Sarratt thanks to a Taylor Cobb brace and a goal for Anton Collins. Marcus Rivers scored for the Division One side.

The prospect of a Bovingdon title double remains on track after the club’s Reserve side eased to a 6-1 victory at Lemsford to increase their advantage at the top of Division One to four points.

Fourth placed Sun Sports Reserves also ran out comfortable winners, beating Bengeo Trinity 4-0.

Oxhey Jets Reserves have a Herts Intermediate Cup semi-final to look forward to having got the better of Tring Athletic Reserves 3-1 after extra-time. Andrew Amoah, Luke Peters and Olawale Salami struck for the victors.

The clash of the top two in Reserve & Development 2 ended all-square as leaders Old Parmiterians were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Oxhey Jets Vets.

Stephen Duce and Ian Holdom were on target for the visitors, who remain nine points behind the table toppers but with two games in hand.

Michael East (2) and David Pemberton were among the scorers as Sarratt Reserves won 4-1 at Evergreen Under-21 for whom Jack Card netted their consolation.

Joe Baldwin scored for Chipperfield Corinthians Reserves but it was not enough to save them from a 2-1 home reverse against Welwyn Borough in the Greg Cup.