Halesowen 2 Gloucester City 1

Eldon Maquenmba’s goal 14 minutes from time edged Halesowen to a narrow victory and took them to the top of the British Gas Premier Division table.

The striker’s turn of pace took him past two defenders and into the area where he calmly placed his shot beneath Kevin Sawyer.

The Tigers, who began the game just outside the play-offs, paid the price for squandering back-to-back chances moments earlier and their frustrations boiled over when boss Tim Harris was sent from the dugout for comments made to the referee’s assistant.

It was the visitors who adapted the quicker to the storm-force wind, a snaking run and shot from Lee Smith on five minutes forcing a good save from home keeper Mark Osborn.

That proved to be a wake-up call for Halesowen and the tricky Ikechi Anya sent an effort over the crossbar from 20 yards.

Midway through the half and Sawyer was pressed into action as he smothered a low shot from Alex Cowley, back at the club after spells with Redditch United and Bromsgrove Rovers this season.

Halesowen’s pressure finally told on the half hour. Darren Caskey’s corner was headed on by defender Stuart Pierpoint and leading scorer Dean Brennan had the final touch to direct his header over the line.

The Tigers levelled a minute before the break when Alex Sykes drilled home a penalty after Jack Pitcher had been fouled by Dennis Pearce.

Both sides could have added to their tally in the second half with Nick Amos and Maquemba just off target for Halesowen while Pitcher and Smith missed good opportunities for the visitors.

But Maquemba made amends with his late winner to fire the Yeltz into top spot.