Campion edged out a hard-fought 0–1 victory on Friday evening against a strong and well-organised Horbury Town side, claiming a vital three points in a closely contested NCEL Premier Division encounter at the Pulse Hire Ltd Stadium.

The visitors almost made the perfect start and could have been ahead inside the opening five minutes. Jack Normanton found himself clean through on goal, but Horbury goalkeeper Paul Day produced a superb save in a one-on-one situation to keep the scores level.

Campion weren’t to be denied for long, however, and took the lead just minutes later. Ewan Gregson showed real quality down the left flank, beating his man before delivering a delightful whipped cross into the box. Ben Grech Brooksbank met it perfectly with a powerful header, giving Day no chance and putting Campion deservedly ahead.

Horbury’s pacy and energetic attack ensured the Campion defence remained on high alert throughout the first half, but the visitors continued to pose a threat themselves. Midway through the half, Gregson almost doubled the advantage with a fine solo run, only for Day to once again come to the hosts’ rescue, tipping the effort away with his fingertips.

The second half saw the game become even more competitive, with Horbury introducing potentially game-changing substitutes and committing more men forward in search of an equaliser. Despite the pressure, Campion’s defensive unit of Parsons, Nebard, Allsop, Bodle, and goalkeeper Luke Wilson stood firm, repelling wave after wave of attacks.

Frustration began to grow for the hosts as the half wore on, with two penalty appeals controversially waved away, much to the displeasure of the home support. Horbury’s best opportunity of the second half — and arguably the match — came deep into injury time when Gibril Bojang’s free kick crashed against Wilson’s crossbar, allowing Campion to breathe a huge sigh of relief.

The final whistle confirmed a gritty and well-earned away win for Campion — their eighth victory in ten matches and a sixth clean sheet in the same period, underlining the excellent defensive form currently being shown.

The result leaves Campion just one point outside the play-off places, with Barton Town and Tadcaster Albion holding games in hand, as the promotion race continues to gather momentum.