Brandan Phillips’ men fell to their second defeat of the season to leave them just a point clear at the top of the Dr Martens Premier Division.

The home side, who lost at Manor Park early in the season, thoroughly deserved their victory and had the win tied up by the interval.

They started strongly and took the lead after only nine minutes. Robert Pell, who had been denied a goal in the third minute, latched on to a cross from Gilbert but saw Richard Williams push the ball away.

It was only temporary relief for the Boro and when the flag kick was met by Speed, his downward header was swept in by Jackson from close range.

The referee ordered Boro to change into Grantham’s away strip as their own kit had clashed with the home side’s kit.

It did not change their luck. Gary Statham was the guilty man for Grantham’s second goal – he failed to clear a long throw and the predatory Jackson was again on hand to fire home from a tight angle. He could have had a hat-trick but for Williams’ smart reactions.

Boro did finally make an impact with Malcolm Chrstie forcing a save from the edge of the area and the impressive youngster came close to meeting a Dicky Gardner cross – but it was too little, too late.