Torrington 1, Corsham Town 2

SIMON Gray may struggle to shed the super-sub' tag after his 20-minute cameo spared Corsham's blushes at Vicarage Field.

The fleet-footed front man came off the bench to inspire the Reds to an eighth consecutive league victory on Saturday.

Gray's express pace and unorthodox style made him a firm favourite with the Calne faithful last season and the striker is fast making a name for himself at the Southbank.

But the presence of the prolific Toby Colbourne and the industrious Jerad O'Pray has left Gray in little doubt he will have to fight for his shirt.

He said: "Corsham are such a good side, I'm just happy to be part of the squad.

"Toby and Jerad have formed a great partnership up front, but sometimes you need someone who is willing to run their socks off and chase long balls into the channels - I'm more than happy to do that."

Gray is still recovering from an ankle injury he picked up earlier in the season, but on Saturday's showing he is almost back to full fitness.

With a combination of league and cup fixtures next month, Gray will be hoping to show boss Colin Bush he has all the tools for the job.

"It would be nice to score a few goals before Christmas and to help the team out that way.

"But if I can create goals for other players then I am just as happy. I think we're in with a chance of winning some trophies this year so I want to be a big part of the team."

Corsham never hit top gear in Devon but still had enough in the tank to preserve their lead at the top of the Premier Division.

Manager Colin Bush said his side played their "get out of jail free card" against a tough Torrington outfit who led for 75 minutes.

He said: "It was a difficult afternoon for us. Torrington battled hard and closed us down. They did to us what we do to other teams.

"With eight minutes to go I would have settled for a point. But once again the character of our team came through.

"This side has the ability to hang in there when it's not going to plan. I was frustrated with the way we played, but delighted with the result."

Bush lauded Gray's contribution after his summer signing changed the course of a game which looked destined to end in defeat.

He said: "Simon has been a fantastic signing for us. He's so unorthodox but it works for him and we won't be trying to coach him to become more cultured.

"I don't see him as a super-sub at all. He's been carrying an injury for a while and I don't think he's 100 per cent yet, which is why he has not started many games.

"Toby Colbourne has been on fire lately and Jerad O'Pray has been working so hard. They will all get their chance to show what they can do."

Dan Beck had already made one goal-line clearance before Gareth Law put Torrington ahead.

It was the first goal conceded by the Corsham defence in 673 minutes of league football stretching back to the 6-0 home defeat by Welton.

The Reds survived a penalty claim in the second half when Beck and Colin Towler looked to have fouled a Torrington player in the area.

The equaliser came from a Scott Lye corner after 75 minutes when Colbourne planted a powerful header beyond the goalkeeper.

Gray sealed the points for Corsham with a shot which was bundled into his own net by the unfortunate Liam Collings.