HARES striker Ash Brand had a hand in both goals as his side won this hard fought Ridgeons Division One encounter on Saturday.

Travel problems delayed March's arrival until just 30 minutes before the kick-off and the much changed side started game slowly.

Once they got into their stride they took the lead after 15 minutes

Goalkeeper Dan Heath's clearance was headed on by Luke Pepper into the path of Brand who volleyed the ball home in good style.

Heath was then called upon to make a very good save from the penalty spot after Lewis Cook was adjudged to have fouled an Ipswich forward in the box. Heath did exceptionally well to push the ball over the crossbar in an otherwise uneventful first half.

In the second half the home side put the pressure on and were rewarded with an equaliser after 55 minutes. March then had to defend stoutly to deny the home side a second goal.

March's winner came with 10 minutes left when substitute Gino Livitti made the most of a Brand cross to find the net.

Manager Jamie Weston said: "It was a hard fought win. We were not at our best and in the end we really nicked the three points."

March: Dan Heath, Lewis Cook, Adam Sutton, Michael Anker, Craig Norman, James Richardson, Rory Parker, Luke Pepper, Harry Roe, Ash Brand, Andy Bryan. Subs: Gino Livitti, Greg Hoffman and Jordan Goult.

March are at home to Long Melford on Saturday at the GER but Adam Sutton who came off in Saturday's win is very doubtful with a groin strain.

But Weston will have Lee White, Rogan McGeorge, Marc Welcher and Scott Welcher, who has finished his ban, available again. Gary Roddis resumes training this week and could play a part too.

Weston added: "Long Melford are another side at the foot of the table and on our home form we have to be looking to take the three points."