MILFORD United kept their push for promotion right on track with a nervous derby victory over Milford Athletic at Marble Hall.

The Robins currently sit second in table after this sweet win and Athletic are ninth.

Last season Athletic did the double over the Robins and earlier in the season they drew 2–2 at Pill Lane.

The home outfit deservedly led 3–0 at the interval. Greg Thomas scored first, Jason Hicks’ cross from the left falling invitingly for the striker to powerfully head past Ian Hawkins.

The Robins continued to press and were rewarded with an own goal in the 25th minute for the second.

Five minutes before half time and Michael McCarthy scored from the spot following a handball in the box spotted by referee Paul Rooney.

Five minutes after the restart and McCarthy drilled in the fourth for his second goal of this derby tussle. And at that stage a big score looked on the cards for delighted Robins’ manager Phil Marchant, in charge for only the second time this season.

However, Athletic manager Eric Alston called for more effort from his troops and they responded with a brace of goals from Shane Walsh and Stuart McDonald, but the chirpy Robins clung on for the precious points.

Milford United: Jason Rickard (captain), Matthew Salter, Scott Griffiths, Chris Davies, William Goodall, Jason Hicks, Greg Thomas, Jason Thomas, Michael McCarthy, Joseph Lennon, Matthew Charnley. Sub: Chris Thompson.

Milford Athletic: Ian Hawkins, Mike Evans, Jamie Bird, Nathan Lewis, Stefan Smart, Jason Clarke, Stuart McDonald, Gary Power (captain), Chris Scoble, Ashley Cleevely, Josh Smart. Subs: Chris McLoud, Leigh Power, Shane Walsh.