Bromsgrove Rovers produced a gritty performance in difficult conditions to win 1-0 at Sutton Coldfield Town and maintain their push for third place in the Dr Martens Western Division.

A bone-hard pitch and swirling wind made it almost impossible to produce good football, but Rovers adapted better and took the lead on 29 minutes. Mark Benbow hit a long cross into the box and Steve Lutz reached it before 'keeper Justin Bray to head into the empty net.

Lutz almost made it two when his shot was cleared, and from the resulting corner by Grant Beckett he headed against the bar. Les Palmer was then guilty of a miss when he capitalised on a mistake in midfield but with only Bray to beat, he shot wide.

The second half turned into a dour midfield battle, with few chances carved out.

Bromsgrove's best opening was created by substitute Kevin Banner, who crossed low for Paul Danks, but his shot was cleared off the line.

The Greens had two late scares, the first when 'keeper Jim McGettrick did well to gather a bouncing chip shot from Simon Tucker.

Richie Gardner headed just wide from a corner, but Rovers were full value for the points.

Rovers: McGettrick 8, Benbow 8, Ford 8, Collins 8, H Lutz 9, Pope 7, Dyson 7, Palmer 7 (Banner 75), Burgess 8, Danks 8, Beckett 8. Subs not used: Clifton, Hyde, Hackett.

Attendance: 181.