Saturday's First Division South action review

Coalville Town maintained their seven-point lead at the top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premeir League First Division South table, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney, without even playing!

The Ravens had a Saturday off but will have been delighted when they heard that second-placed King's Lynn Town had been beaten at The Walks by in-form Belper Town.

The Nailers slipped into sixth place in the table after goals from Shaun Tuton and Mark Ward within two minutes of each other midway through the first half eventually proved enough, despite Russ Dunkley`s 77th minute reply.

Third-placed Stamford AFC are now just a point behind the Linnets after completing a 5-2 win over struggling Mickleover Sports at Kettering Road.

It was Sports who drew first blood though when Eric Graves put them in front after 14 minutes. But James Ozmen quickly levelled two minutes later and by the time Martin Smyth scored Sports` second 13 minutes from time, his side trailed 5-1.

Gary King bagged a brace on 17 and 21 minutesm then Ricky Miller struck on 46 minutes before Louis Hamilton completed a comfortable win on 58 minutes for Graham Drury's side.

Gresley FC and Sutton Coldfield Town complete the top five places, but only the Moatmen managed a win on Saturday.

Second half goals from Jamie Barrett, Rob Spencer and Richard Hanslow saw Gresley earn three deserved points at the Moat Ground against Rainworth Miners Welfare.

But the Royals were beaten 2-1 at Harrison Park by Leek Town, for whom Tim Grice bagged a brace in the 15th and 23rd minutes – Luke Chapman replying on 67 minutes.

Carlton Town overcame the first half dismissal of Will Gordon to win 3-2 at Marston Road against Northwich Victoria.

Gordon was sent-off on the half-hour after handling Michael Connor's goal-bound shot on the line, and Lee Dodgson duly converted the resultant penalty. That levelled the scores at 1-1 after Matt Varley had given the Milers the lead on 16 minutes, also from the spot after Travis Gray was penalised for handball.

But despite playing with a man less for an hour, it was the visitors who stunned their hosts with a double blast early in the second half that was to prove crucial, firstly through Reuben Wiggins-Thomas and on 57 minutes it was Sam MacVicar's excellent threaded pass which sent debutant Jordan Vilums clear of the Vics defence. The new signing from Mansfield showed composure belying his 17 years to calmly round Ryan Robinson and score.

The Vics fought back and Dodgson scored his second on 72 minutes to set up a tense finale, but Millers goalkeeper Martin Kearney made a number of fine saves to ensure the three points went to the Millers.

Romulus bounced back from their midweek disappointment at Belper with a spirited performance that saw them run out 2-1 winners against Sheffield FC at Coles Lane.

A frantic opening period saw Roms take the lead in the first minute through Dexter Ravenhill who fired into the roof of the net from 20 yards. But their joy was short lived as straight from the restart possession was squandered in midfield and from the resulting attack Shoquilee McKenzie equalised.

The game settled down for a while and was fairly even but after 23 minutes Tyron Amory produced a smart turn and finish after Nicky Campbell headed Rob Evans long throw back across goal to make it 2-1 to Romulus.

There were 11 minutes added on after the 90 expired but Romulus survived everything Sheffield threw at them and held out for a much needed win - their first home league win since January.

Brigg Town returned from their long trip to Shropshire with a point after a 1-1 draw at Market Drayton Town.

The Zebras led 1-0 at half-time after a goal from Ryan Paczkowski, only to be pegged back by the home side's Kyle Blake after 75 minutes.

Newcastle Town and struggling Loughborough Dynamo shared a goalless draw at the Lyme Valley Stadium, while Halesowen Town ended Lincoln United's recent decent run by winning 2-1 at Ashby Avenue with an own goal from Liam Bull after 38 minutes and a Nav Arshad effort just before the break after George Zuerner had given the hosts a 24th minute lead.

Bottom-markers Hucknall Town were hammered 5-0 at home by Kidsgrove Athletic, for whom Andy Kinsey bagged a brace and Dan Skelton, Liam Shotton and Paul Taylor singles.