The Gingerbreads held their own throughout a pulsating game which saw half-chances for both sides throughout the first half.

Rob Norris went close for Grantham but curled his shot wide and Jason Turner had a couple of good chances.

Neither keeper was really stretched, but Nantwich went closest to scoring on the stroke of half-time when Adam Beasley's shot from inside the 6yd box skimmed the cross-bar.

The second half continued in much the same manner.

Grantham's Glen Atkinson's 60th minute shot hit the post and seven minutes later Ashley Carter's shot was saved by Gingerbreads keeper Mario Ziccardi.

Town took the lead in the 76th minute. Skipper Brendan McDaid's low cross was met by striker Jason Turner who sidestepped a defender and beat the keeper from 10 yards.

But four minutes later, Nantwich brought the score levels again when Andy Kinsey headed in Dave Walker's cross.

Three minutes from the final whistle, with the game looking like going into extra-time, Nantwich dashed Grantham's Premier Division hopes when Glynn Blackhurst headed in the winner.

Grantham Town: Ziccardi, Revill, Fleming, Gowshall, Dixon, Minett, Norris, McDaid, Atkinson, Turner, Mullarkey.

Subs: Cann (for Minett, 89), Gilbert, Sturgess.

Att: 624