Saturday's First Division South action review

The advantage of 3G pitches was shown again on Saturday as EVO-STIK Northern Premier League First Division South leaders Sutton Coldfield Town moved four points clear at the top of the table after a 1-0 win against play-off chasers Stafford Rangers, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

A season`s best crowd of 362 saw Justin Richards win it for the Royals with the only goal three minutes into the second half.

Most of the other Midlands sides in the division suffered from the wet weather, although Shropshire side Market Drayton Town got their game on against third-placed Newcastle Town, who triumphed 4-2 after the third-bottom hosts had led 2-0 inside six minutes through Mike O`Reilly and Jordan Johnson.

Aaron Carter on 20 minutes and Tom Unwin three minutes later pulled Castle back on terms and then a brace of penalties from Jordan Cole on 36 and 58 minutes and a last-minute Josh Gordon effort sealed the points.

Leek Town, with games in hand on all around and above them, moved to within a couple of points of fifth-placed Stafford after winning the derby at second-bottom Kidsgrove Athletic 3-1.

The victory came courtesy of a Tim Grice hat-trick in the 11th, 23rd and 45th minutes – Anthony Malbon 'winning' the second half for Grove.

Lincoln United are just a point behind Leek after beating bottom side Brigg Town 2-0 at Ashby Avenue, thanks to two late efforts from Andy Hutchinson after 73 minutes and Scott Ruthuen with two minutes remaining.

Elsewhere, the games at Chasetown, Gresley, Mickleover Sports, Norton United and Sheffield FC were all off and the other two matches ended all-square.

Coalville Town managed to get their game against Tividale on at Owen Street but fell behind to a 19th minute Nigel Penney goal.

Jack Woolley equalised five minutes after the break, only for Penney to restore the visitors` lead less than a minute later. But three minutes from time Bradley Munn rescued a point for the Ravens.

Fourth-bottom Rainworth Miners Welfare and Goole AFC shared a 1-1 draw in which Gino Kelleher put the hosts ahead after 12 minutes and Andy Gascoigne – on dual terms with Conference North side Harrogate Town – cancelled that out on 56 minutes.