GORNAL Athletic gave their promotion hopes a massive boost with victory over rivals Newport Town last Saturday.

Third-placed Peacocks beat their second-placed visitors 2-1 thanks to goals from Andy Arnold and Liam Hickman.

Arnold's 25 yard rocket opened the scoring before Town levelled with 20 minutes left on the clock. There goal also came just five minute after forward Geoff Hill missed from the spot for the hosts.

After a break to clear the pitch following a heavy snowfall, Gornal wrapped up the points when Hickman tucked home Anthony Cox's cross with just three minutes left on the clock.

Manager Matt Fisher was delighted with the victory. He said: "I think we deserved the win and it is massive for us.

"The snow break actually gave the players a chance to have a few words about how unhappy they were with how the game had gone and to discuss the things they wanted to put right "It was then an onslaught for the last ten minutes and we managed to got the goal.

"It's another step closer to where we want to be. We still want to win this league and believe we can.

Leaders Wem Town are 10 points ahead but have played a game more than Gornal. However, the win leaves them within a point of Newport and that second promotion place.

They will now face Team Dudley at Priory Road this Saturday (3pm kick-off).