Championship chasing Nuneaton Borough stretched their lead at the top to an astonishing seventeen points after this hard fought victory over their nearest neighbours.

They go into the New Year as the hottest favourites in a long time to win promotion to the Conference, despite manager Brendan Phillips' cautionary note.

They won with a strike by Anton Thomas just before half-time to gain revenge for their recent Dr Marten's League Cup defeat at the hands of their local rivals. It was Borough's 12th league game in a row without defeat.

The playing conditions, strong winds and driving rain, made attractive football and near impossibility, but Borough adapted well and could have been well ahead by half-time.

Barry Williams fired over from close range, Shaun Wray's effort was cleared off the line and Borough had a massive penalty appeal turned down.

They went in front when Thomas headed in Ian Muir's free-kick.

Atherstone continued to find themselves on the back foot in the second half when they made only one scoring chance. Richard Landon shot wide from a good opportunity set up for him by Kim Green.