Grove had been poor in losing their previous two games, but manager Peter Ward was delighted with the response which included a contender for goal of the season by substitute Liam Shotton.

Grove were leading 2-0 with goals from Karl Charlton (30 mins) and Dave Walker (61) when Shotton took a peach of a pass from Tim Sanders, beat two defenders and hit an unstoppable shot in off the crossbar.

Ward said: "We played as a team and I was pleased with the graft and workrate.

"Karl Charlton scored his first goal for the club and had one disallowed in curious circumstances.

"Karl bundled the ball home from a corner, but the referee then ruled it should not have been a corner.

"Surely if he has awarded the corner he should give the goal? But he was bad for both sides.

"We went ahead having played well as a unit. We played some good football on a lovely pitch and although Loughborough had a go at us after Dave Walker had lobbed the keeper, they never hurt us."

Meanwhile, Kidsgrove have joined Leek Town in the hunt for Congleton Town striker Matt Haddrell, who scored 25 goals for them last season.