Campion AFC produced a clinical second-half display to secure an emphatic 0-3 victory away at Bottesford Town, lifting the Red & Blacks up to third place in the race for the play-offs.

On the scoresheet were Paddy Sykes, Shay Muirhead and Ewan Gregson — but the story of the afternoon could easily have been very different were it not for a sensational performance from goalkeeper Luke Wilson.

Sluggish Start, Wilson Stands Tall

Campion began the contest well below their usual standards and were nearly made to pay inside the opening exchanges. Bottesford carved out several clear-cut opportunities, but Wilson delivered a goalkeeping masterclass, producing six or seven outstanding saves to keep the visitors level.

Time and again he denied the home side from close range, commanding his area and frustrating Bottesford’s forwards. It was a performance that ultimately earned him a richly deserved Man of the Match award — and told the tale of a scoreline that, in truth, flattered Campion.

Sykes Strikes Before the Break

Just as it looked like the sides would head into the interval goalless, Campion struck in first-half stoppage time.

A switch of play from Sonny Whittingham found Jack Normanton inside the penalty area. Normanton showed composure to square the ball across goal where Paddy Sykes was waiting to smash home and give the visitors a crucial lead three minutes into added time.

It was a clinical blow — and one that changed the complexion of the game.

Ashforth’s Changes Spark Second-Half Surge

Despite going in ahead, Lee Ashforth was clear that improvements were needed. At the break he made two decisive substitutions, introducing Shay Muirhead and the returning Ben Grech Brooksbank in place of Whittingham and Normanton.

The impact was immediate.

Within minutes of the restart, Muirhead produced a moment of individual brilliance. Picking the ball up on the left, he embarked on a sensational solo run, beating four Bottesford players before cutting inside and curling a right-footed effort beyond the goalkeeper to double Campion’s advantage.

The third soon followed.

Muirhead was involved again, showing strength to hold off his marker before finding Ewan Gregson. Gregson controlled superbly on his chest and calmly placed the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper to give Campion a commanding 0-3 lead.

Clean Sheet Secured

To their credit, Bottesford continued to push forward and created further chances, but Wilson was in inspired form. More magnificent saves ensured Campion recorded their 12th clean sheet of the season and wrapped up a vital three points on the road.

The victory sees Campion climb to third place as the play-off battle intensifies.

Up next: a crucial trip to Barton Town on Tuesday evening as the push continues.