Richard Bland hit six birdies on his back nine to open up a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the British Masters.
The world number 127 has been in fine form at The Grove, and he made it two successive rounds without a bogey on Friday as he edged ahead of Alex Noren and Andrew Johnston.
The two players had benefited from the early conditions as they both recorded scores of 65 but they were outdone by Bland, who has not won a tournament for 15 years.
Anthony Wall, Tommy Fleetwood and Scott Jamieson are a shot further adrift in a tie for fourth spot, while Chris Wood and Tyrrell Hatton also feature in the top 10.
Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell remain in contention in 11th and 14th respectively after second-round scores of 68.