Bognor 1, Carshalton 0: Kevin Murphy played a huge role in Bognor's return to the top of the league, then prepared to put his feet up.

The injury-troubled Bognor defender has been excused training for the rest of the season to make sure he survives the division one south run-in.

He responded in style last night with a magnificent defensive display against Graham Roberts' Carshalton side and even found time to get forward to create Michael Birmingham's 78th minute winner.

Murphy arrived late at the far post to head goalwards from David Birmingham's right wing corner and the skipper did the rest by firing high into the net from close range.

Defeat was cruel on Carshalton, who came South with a three point lead and had most of the possession on a tense night at Nyewood Lane.

Murphy admitted: "They are the best side we have played I must admit.

"They made it tough for us but we worked hard and came through in the end.

"We never usually score from corners so it's really pleasing to get one."

He added: "I'm just resting and playing at the moment. I've got a groin injury and I ache all over after a game. I'll have my feet up now until Saturday."

Bognor boss Jack Pearce has no problem with Murphy's novel arrangement but will not permit any resting on laurels when match day comes around with the title now five wins away.

He said: "Carshalton can count themselves unlucky but I thought their chances came from elementary mistakes by us.

"We kept battling and we got a break, which has happened against us so often.

"I've told the lads though there's no point winning tonight if we then lose against sides in the bottom half."

Birmingham's goal came from Bognor's only on-target effort of the contest and was borne out of Pearce's preaching for them to play the ball out from the back.

The Rocks' boss was infuriated by his defender's unwillingness to take responsibility for initiating attacks.

Fitting then that it was intelligent distribution from Jodey Rowland in the middle, then Guy Rutherford found the right touchline which sent Richard Hudson away to win the crucial corner.

Carshalton, however, will believe their own preferred route of attack, over the top of the home back four, should have brought reward before the hosts struck.

Bognor: Stoner; G. Rutherford, Rowland, Davies, Thomas, Murphy, Russell, M. Birmingham, Hudson (sub, Stevens, 85), Howell, D. Birmingham. Unused subs: Hall, Tipper, Sargent, Broadbent.

Carshalton: Searle; Boateng, Johnson, Dublin, Bouadji, Elliott, York, Hawthorne, Ouefio, Darlington (sub, Todd 74), Pye (sub, Pye 57). Unused subs: Costello, Hannigan, Lock.

Referee: Mr M. Postles. Attendance: 553. Man-of-the-match: Kevin Murphy.