Boxing Day's First South review

Halesowen Town maintained their two-point lead at the top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division South table after a 2-0 win at bottom-markers Eastwood Town at Coronation Park on Boxing Day, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

In-form veteran Iyseden Christie bagged another brace for the Yeltz in the third and seventh minutes to threaten a real hammering that never materialised.

Leek Town kept up the pressure on the leaders with a comprehensive 5-0 demolition of Market Drayton Town at Harrison Park.

Lee Casswell's side had been out of action for twelve days but showed no signs of any rustiness as they took the game to their opponents from the off. But they had to wait until the 37th minute to break through with a Jordan Johnson effort. And, like waiting for buses, two more came along within three minutes from John Johnston and Dan Shelley. Shelley added his second and Leek's fourth in the 74th minute, with Johnson making it a nap hand in injury-time.

Coalville Town, Belper Town and Mickleover Sports are the others in the top five, and all-bar Coalville won on Boxing Day.

The Ravens were held to a 3-3 draw at the Moat Ground by Gresley FC in front of the biggest gate of the season - 431.

Rob Spencer opened the scoring for the Moatmen after 16 minutes before three quick goals from Jordan Hempenstall on 55 minutes, Ben Saunders three minutes later and ex- Gresley player Jordan Nadat on the hour-mark put the Ravens in charge. However, Gresley came back with goals from Alex Steadman on 67 minutes and Jack Langston from the spot 14 minutes from time to earn a share of the points.

The Nailers beat Sheffield FC 2-0 at Christchurch Meadow, thanks to two goals from Jonathan Froggatt in the final two minutes of the game.

Mickleover, meanwhile, were 4-2 winners at Loughborough Dynamo, who took a 42nd minute lead through Kris Nurse. Jordan Ball levelled right on half-time, only for Nathan Watson to restore the home side's lead four minutes after the break. But a Karl Demidh brace on 72 and 82 minutes and a second from Ball right on time turned it round for Sports.

Scarborough Athletic are looking dangerous and are in sixth after a 3-1 win at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds against Goole AFC.

A crowd of 422 saw Tom Davies give Boro a 32nd minute lead that Chris Bolder doubled on 64 minutes. Vinny Mukendi reduced the arrears 15 minutes from time, only for Bolder to add his second and Boro's third eight minutes from the end.

Third-bottom Kidsgrove Athletic lost the Potteries derby at home to Newcastle Town, for whom Jordan Cole on 42 minutes, Ricardo Swaby on 50 minutes and Tim Sanders on 65, were the men on the mark.

Lincoln United won the Lincolnshire derby at Ashby Avenue against Brigg Town, taking a 22nd minute lead through Andy Toyne before being pulled back by Scott Hellewell seven minutes later.

Jordan Thewlis then gave the visitors the lead from the spot on the half-hour mark – a lead they held until the break. But just two minutes after the restart Danny Brooks equalised and then the on-loan Alex Simmons put United in front again from the spot on 73 minutes, with Brooks scoring a fourth for good measure five minutes from the end.

Chasetown beat Romulus 2-1 at The Scholars with all three goals coming in the final 20 minutes.

Craig Marshal broke the deadlock by giving Roms a 70th minute lead that Simon Brown cancelled out from the spot five minutes later. But Ramone Stephens won it for the Scholars with eight minutes left to play.

A late equaliser by Grant Brindley ensured Carlton Town ended a run of five successive defeats with a 1-1 draw at home to Rainworth Miners Welfare.

After a tight first half in which the Wrens created the better opportunities, they had to wait until three minutes into the second period before taking the lead, Sam Purcicoe drilling a fine effort into the top corner after a swift counter-attack.

Carlton put their near-neighbours under a spell of concerted pressure, with both Joe Brothwell and Ruben Wiggins-Thomas hitting the woodwork. Just when it looked as if the Millers might suffer a sixth defeat on the spin despite their efforts, Brindley rose to head home a Lee Potts corner and salvage a deserved point for the home side.

The surprise result of the day was at Coles Lane where play-off chasing Sutton Coldfield Town were beaten 3-1 by second-bottom Bedworth United.

Two first half goals from Bradley Munn in the sixth and 20th minutes – the second from the spot - and another from Daniel Dubidat six minutes from time, put Bedworth on the way to a much-needed away win. All the Royals could muster in reply was a 28th minute Joel Kettle effort.