The game as a spectacle was spoilt by a blustery wind that blew diagonally across the exposed pitch and the early stages were littered with misplaced passes as both teams struggled to cope with the windy conditions.

Town did manage to create the first opening but Mike Armstrong's shot was saved by home keeper James Hallones after the striker had been but through by Mark Hallam.

Stuart Leafe, arriving at the far post then fired over after Paul Watts had flicked on a Sean Chamberlain cross from the right. Chamberlain should then have done better when he found himself unmarked in the home penalty area but missed the target.

Although the home side were enjoying a territorial advantage due to the conditions, it was Town who always looked a greater threat in the final third.

Paul Watts chipped just over after good work by Mike Armstrong and Sean Chamberlain should possibly have done better when allowed space and time in the Phoenix area.

Craig Wherry clung on to a header from Lee McVeigh but despite some catches obviously made difficult by the swirling wind, the big keeper remained largely untroubled for the remainder of the game.

Sean Chamberlain was heavily involved on two occasions, sending dangerous crosses into the Phoenix area from the right which unfortunately for Town eluded any of their attackers.

Home forward Steve Spence headed over on the stroke of half time and so the teams trooped off goalless at the break.

It became obvious right from the start of the second period it would be Town's turn to enjoy the territorial advantage as they laid siege to the Phoenix goal but poor final balls and choosing the wrong option on occasions meant the home goal keeper was not put under the pressure he should have been.

Paul Watts and in particular Mike Armstrong worked tirelessly up front for Town but below par service from their normally reliable midfield meant that they were restricted to half chances.

When the breakthrough finally came with 20 minutes to go Watts was the creator, firing a hard and low free-kick from 25 yards which was deflected into the net by Stuart Hutton to give the White Wolves a deserved lead.

Sean Chamberlain should have doubled the lead moments later when he fired wide after he was delightfully set up by Mike Armstrong and Stuart Hutton almost scored a second of the afternoon when he headed just over as Town strove to turn their territorial advantage into goals.

Substitutes Jamie Rowbotham and James Archer were sent on and both players almost marked their introduction with goals as first Rowbotham chipped Hallows but just over the cross bar and then Archer saw a 25 yard drive flash just wide with Hallows beaten.

At the final whistle, manager Paul Walden was obviously delighted with another three points but was also extremely happy with seeing his side keep yet another clean sheet, their third in a row and singled out central defender Andy Appleby who had given an excellent display in difficult conditions.

He also commented his side could not afford to let their standards drop as their nearest rivals Westella and Willerby continued to win and keep up the pressure.

Town have a break from league action next Saturday when they take on Buddies 11 Club in the Lincolncolnshire FA County Junior Cup. The game is being played at Winteringham school, Grimsby, and kicks off at 2.15pm.

Team: Wherry, Chamberlain, Leafe, Walden (Capt), Appleby, Davison, Winters, Armstrong, Watts, Hallam, Hutton. Subs: Rowbotham, Archer, Holmes.