Jama is the boss at Gower

Melville needed an 83rd minute penalty to beat ninth-placed Ellerslie at Gower Park and retain a five-point lead at the top of the northern league first division.

SEE Also: Grigor Griffin’s match blog HERE

Jama Boss took his goal tally to 13 from nine matches, including the late penalty.

He had earlier given Melville a 19th minute lead from close range, but Ellerslie struck back three minutes later from Josh Torrens following a free kick.

Melville dominated possession but a committed Ellerslie team were hard to break down.

Coaches named Boss as their player of the day along with defender Luke Searle.

Meanwhile Melville Reserves failed to convert a penalty as they lost 1-3 to Ellerslie.

Melville are at home to Tauranga on Saturday.