Premier: Late drama sends levels up title race

Buxton looked like they were going to pull four points clear of South Shields at the top with barely minutes left to play on Easter Saturday.

They led 3-2 at Mickleover, while South Shields were being held to a goalless draw at FC United.

But Stuart Beavon’s 88th minute equaliser for Mickleover was quickly followed by JJ Hooper’s late winner for Shields, meaning the two sides are now level pegging going in to the final two games of the season.

Buxton had twice fought from behind to lead 3-2 thanks to Diego De Girolamo’s penalty, and they now face a crunch match with local rivals Matlock Town on Monday before travelling to Stalybridge on the final day.

Shields face play-off chasing Whitby Town on Monday before rounding off their regular season against relegated Grantham.

Buxton do hold a nine-goal points difference advantage over the north east side, but it’s all to play for.

The race for the remaining three play-off places is down to five teams.

Matlock Town remain third in the table, despite yet another goalless draw, this time at home to Nantwich Town.


The Gladiators travel to Buxton and then welcome nearest rivals Warrington Town on the final day.


The Yellows were comfortable 2-0 winners at Atherton Collieries, while Scarborough Athletic also maintained their top five spot with a 2-0 home win over Gainsborough Trinity.

Warrington and Scarborough both have 68 points, two off Matlock, and three ahead of Bamber Bridge, who put paid to Morpeth Town’s play-off hopes with a 3-2 win.

Whitby scored two early goals to beat Ashton United 2-0, and they remain five points behind the play-off places.

The Seasiders will have a say in the title race, as they face South Shields on Monday.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Basford United and Witton Albion both picked up victories in their fight to avoid relegation.

Basford have a five point cushion, meaning Witton must now win at Warrington on Monday and hope Basford lose at home to Mickleover to take it to the final day.

Premier Division run-in:

Buxton 78pts +42 - Matlock Town (H), Stalybridge Celtic (A)
South Shields 78pts +33 - Whitby Town (H), Grantham Town (A)
Matlock Town 70pts +22 - Buxton (A), Warrington Town (H)
Warrington Town 68pts +20 - Witton Albion (H), Matlock Town (A)
Scarborough Athletic 68pts +7 - Morpeth Town (A), Radcliffe (H)
Bamber Bridge 65pts +7 - Lancaster City (A), Nantwich Town (H)
Whitby Town 63pts +7 - South Shields (A), Gainsborough Trinity (A)
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Basford United 45pts -12 - Mickleover (H), Witton Albion (A)
Witton Albion 40pts -32 - Warrington Town (A), Basford United (H)

Photo: Kev Wilson