New Year's Day First South review

Four games in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division South were postponed due to the wet weather on New Year's Day, including leaders Halesowen Town's scheduled game at home to Chasetown, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

But second-placed Leek Town's derby at the Lyme Valley Stadium against Newcastle Town did go ahead. Their neighbours did them no favours, taking the points with a 2-0 win, thanks to goals from Jordan Cole from the penalty spot after 28 minutes and then Ashley Hill nine minutes from time.

Sutton Coldfield Town, Coalville Town and Mickleover Sports occupy the remaining top five spots, but only the Royals managed a win on New Year's Day.

The Royals were virtually assured of playing on their 3G pitch, but they were the `away` side as Romulus took hosting honours. And they also took a 29th minute lead through Cameron Lee. But that lasted barely nine minutes as Luke Chapman equalised and then veteran Mark Danks grabbed a vital winner with less than six minutes of normal time remaining.

Coalville's game was off, but Mickleover had to be content with a point from a 1-1 home draw with seventh-placed neighbours Belper Town. However, it looked as though the home side were heading for victory as they led through Nic De Girolamo's goal a minute before half-time until stoppage time at the end of the game when Kieran Wells popped up with the Nailers' equaliser.

Scarborough Athletic are now only a point adrift of Mickleover after a 2-0 win at Queensgate against Lincoln United. Ryan Williams gave Boro a great start with a goal inside the opening minute. And their experienced striker Gary Bradshaw doubled their lead 17 minutes later.

Struggling Brigg Town started 2014 with a much needed win, beating Goole AFC 3-1 at the Hawthorns. Joint boss Paul Grimes scored twice in the 51st and 83rd minutes, fellow joint-manager Michael Jacklin opened the scoring in the second minute and Ashley Jackson netted the other on 65 minutes.

Rainworth Miners Welfare moved Nottinghamshire neighbours Eastwood Town closer to relegation after a 3-0 home success in which player-manager Scott Rickards opened the scoring two minutes after the break. Ashley Longstaff added a second on 68 minutes and Rickards netted his second and the hosts` third, 12 minutes from time.

Second-bottom Kidsgrove Athletic were also beaten, 2-1 at Market Drayton Town, whose Nicky Porter gave them a 14th minute lead. Wayne Johnson levelled on 28 minutes but Yannick Makota grabbed what proved to be Drayton's winner 10 minutes into the second half.