Boxing Day's First Division South review

By David Watters

The EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Division One South escaped the worst of the weather, losing only the game between Gresley FC and second-placed Coalville Town from its fixture list, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

That allowed leaders Stafford Rangers to pull twelve points clear at the top of the table in front of a crowd of 978 at Marston Road saw them beat Chasetown 2-1. Rangers had to come back from being a 17th minute James Dance goal down to win, courtesy of Christian Dacres just before the break and then Joe Thomas with less than two minutes remaining.

Shaw Lane Aquaforce maintained their challenge in third after a 2-0 win at Belper Town.

It was the experienced Lee Morris` brace – the first from the penalty spot after 31 minutes and the second 20 minutes from time – that sealed the visitors' festive win.

Lincoln United moved into the top five after beating fourth-placed Spalding United, thanks to a sixth minute Jack McGovern effort at Ashby Avenue.

They replaced Daventry Town, who were hammered 4-0 at Communications Park by lowly neighbours Rugby Town, whose decent run has taken them out of the bottom two and up to fifteenth. David Kolodynski topped and tailed a 41st and 66th minute Tom Ryan brace in the 15th and 89th minutes.

Seventh-placed Basford United were also beaten at home by a struggler in second-bottom neighbours Carlton Town.

The home side led through Blair Anderson`s 19th minute effort. But a determined Carlton side then went on to dominate much of the second half but it looked like United were going to hang on for the win until two injury-time efforts from Danny Gordon on 93 and Romaine Graham on 95 minutes saw the visitors steal a 2-1 victory.

Romulus moved to within a point of Basford after condemning bottom side Tividale to another defeat, winning 2-0 at Coles Lane with goals from Joel Grandison after 64 minutes and Louis Ezewele eight minutes later.

Another struggler. Loughborough Dynamo, pushed Gresley to third-bottom spot after beating Goole AFC 2-0 at the Nantpan Ground with goals from Bamoussa Cisse from the spot after 39 minutes and Leandro Browne in stoppage time.

Sheffield FC won the derby at Bracken Moor against Stocksbridge Park Steels, courtesy of a 61st minute Glyn Cotton effort, while the derby between Newcastle Town and Leek Town went the way of the hosts at the Lyme Valley Stadium.

Jordan Cole gave Castle an early second minute lead that was cancelled out by Tim Grice after 37 minutes. Former Leek man Ben Mills grabbed the winner 10 minutes from time.

And Market Drayton Town, whose fine run lifted them into the top five recently, suffered a third successive defeat at home to Kidsgrove Athletic to drop to tenth in the table.

Nick Wellecomme gave improved Grove a 27th minute lead and an Anthony Malbon brace in the 68th and 90th minutes sealed their win.

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Where next?

Ramsbottom United Hit By North West Flooding Tomorrows game versus Workington postponed.
Saturday's Transfer List Confirmed player movements registered with the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League from Sunday 20 December to 11am on Saturday 26 December 2015.

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