Saturday's First Division South action review

By David Watters

Stafford Rangers and Stocksbridge Park Steels remain unbeaten in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's First Division South following Saturday's round of matches, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

However, Steels dropped their first points of the campaign after being held to a 2-2 draw at yet-to-win Kidsgrove Athletic.

Nick Wellecomme made a two-goal debut for Grove, twice cancelling out Lee Garside efforts for Steels.

Rangers won 2-1 at the Sir Halley Stewart Fields against Spalding United with Ben Haseley after 17 minutes and Nathan Rooney on 77 minutes being cut only by Charley Sanders` reply five minutes from time.

Tividale remain bottom of the pile after losing 2-0 at home to Gresley FC, Martin Smith giving them the lead a minute before the break and Alex Steadman scoring from the penalty spot 10 minutes after the interval to secure the points.

Newly-promoted Basford United are third after a fine 1-0 win at The Scholars against Chasetown, courtesy of a Ben Hutchinson effort after 18 minutes.

Coalville Town and switched Daventry Town make up the rest of the top five.

Coalville beat Romulus by the odd goal in five at Owen Street, coming back from goals from Mark Branch after 45 minutes and Cameron Lee on 47 minutes down to win, thanks to Dean Freeman on 61 minutes, an Alex Troke penalty on 78 and then Jamie McAteer eight minutes from time.

Daventry shared a 3-3 draw at newly-promoted Shaw Lane Aquaforce, who also led 2-0 through Gary Stohrer after 15 minutes and Lee Bennett on 26 minutes.

But goals from Jamie Tricks on 52 minutes and Danny Brooks on 70 minutes pulled Dav level only for Adam Priestley to surely have won it for the home side in the 90th minute – but Adam Creaney went virtually straight up the other end to equalise.

Dan Cope scored the only goal to give Leek Town a 1-0 Harrison Park victory over Belper Town, while Market Drayton Town made it back-to-back wins in some style, 4-0 at Goole AFC in which Jacob Stannard`s own goal after 27 minutes was followed by Scott Ryan two minutes later, Simon Everall on 37 minutes and Tom Lowe a minute from time.

Danny Gordon`s 52nd minute effort eventually proved enough for Carlton Town at home against Loughborough Dynamo, while Shaquille McKenzie gave Sheffield FC a 20th minute lead at home against Newcastle Town, whose Tim Sanders levelled on 64 minutes. However, Benny Igiehon popped up with an 80th minute winner for Club.

Rugby Town continue to struggle since switching from the EVO-STIK League Southern and shared a 1-1 home draw with Lincoln United, Sean Wright putting them in front right on half-time and David Kolodynski levelling 11 minutes after the break.

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Where next?

Leaders give milestone man guard of honour Stafford Rangers defender Wayne Daniel was given a guard of honour by his teammates in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League on Saturday after making his 400th appearance for the league leaders in their 2-1 win at Spalding United.
Saturday's Transfer List Confirmed player movements registered with the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League from Sunday 30 August to 11am on Saturday 5 September 2015.

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