By Huzaifa Yousafzai from Lords
Gloucestershire chased down 234 on the final day at Lords to beat Middlesex and put a huge dent in their ambitions for promotion.
Having bowled Middlesex out cheaply the previous day, Miles Hammond and James Bracey both made half centuries to guide Gloucestershire to victory despite a late fourth innings collapse.
With rivals Sussex and Yorkshire both winning by an innings, Middlesex fell into third place meaning they need some big results in their remaining two games to retain any hope of promotion to Division 1.
On the side of Gloucestershire, they claimed their second championship win of the season but more importantly are in good spirits ahead of the T20 Blast Finals Day on the 14th of September.
Defending a target of 234, Middlesex began proceedings with the ideal start as Ryan Higgins had openers Ben Charlesworth and Cameron Bancroft both trapped LBW.
Tom Helm was next to strike for the home side when he tempted Oliver Price into a loose drive that was edged straight into the hands of Sam Robson at first slip.
Two middle order left handers, Bracey and Hammond then stitched together a partnership as Gloucestershire finished the morning session on 101 for 3.
Post lunch saw a big moment in the game when a flashing cut from Bracey was dropped by Robson at slip; a tough chance but an important one nonetheless.
Both batters reached their half-centuries until Miles Hammond attempted one sweep too many and was caught at mid-on for 76 giving Joshua de Caires his first wicket of the game.
The game provided yet another twist when De Caires picked up two more quick wickets, firstly Graeme Van Burren caught behind for a two ball duck before Bracey picked out deep midwicket with a mistimed sweep shot.
Despite the late collapse, Tom Price and Zafar Gohar closed out an excellent match for the pair with both finishing unbeaten on 34 and 19 respectively as Gloucestershire collected their second victory of the season.
