Saturday's First Division South action review

By David Watters

Stafford Rangers missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's First Division South on Saturday after they were held to a goalless draw at home to Market Drayton Town, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

However, Rangers still hold an eight-point lead as second-placed Shaw Lane Aquaforce were also held to a 0-0 home draw by fourth-placed Coalville Town, while Sheffield FC in third could also only draw at home against second-bottom Rugby Town.

Bruno Holden`s 65th minute goal looked like winning it for Club until David Kolodynski popped up with a stoppage time equaliser for Valley.

Basford United moved into the tip five after winning 2-0 at Communications Park against Daventry Town.

Second half goals from Deon Meikle on 47 minutes and Reuben Wiggins-Thomas on 64 minutes ensured United ran out comfortable winners.

Basford moved above Leek Town after they were held 3-3 in a thriller by neighbours Kidsgrove Athletic at Harrison Park.

An amazing game saw Leek take the lead inside 48 seconds through Lee Cropper. Niall Maguire made it 2-0 with only eight minutes gone on the clock and then Tim Grice threatened a real hammering when he stretched Leek`s lead to 3-0 with only 13 minutes gone.

But the game changed after 32 minutes when Leek`s keeper Chris Martin was dismissed for preventing a goalscoring opportunity and Anthony Malbon reduced the deficit from the resulting penalty.

It was 10 versus 10 by the break after Kidsgrove`s Dan Skelton was given a straight red for a reckless challenge but Malbon still pulled a second back for Grove a couple of minutes later before Jordan Johnson equalised in the 63rd minute.

Kidsgrove held on, despite going down to nine-men when Ross Davidson was sent-off in the 87th minute!

Bottom-markers Tividale picked up their ninth point of the season to date and are level with Rugby after also sharing a 3-3 draw at Loughborough Dynamo.

This was not quite as dramatic but it saw the teams swap goals in the 31st and 32nd minutes through Luke Edwards and Malachi Farquharson respectively. Edwards made it 2-1 just five minutes later and then Chris Sterling levelled six minutes after the break.

Danny Edwards gave Dynamo the lead just past the hour-mark but Dale were not to be denied and Sterling earned a point nine minutes later.

Manny Gueyes grabbed an 88th minute equaliser for Romulus at Coles Lane against Stocksbridge Park Steels, who led through Scott Ruthven`s 55th minute effort.

Lincoln United moved into ninth after a 3-1 success at Newcastle Town.

The visitors broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half through Danny Brooks and went three-up through Lynton Karkach on 65 minutes and Jack McGovern four minutes later, rendering Aaron Carter`s 72nd minute reply as just a consolation.

Carlton Town and Goole AFC were involved in the day`s third goalless draw, while Chasetown saw off Spalding United 3-1 at The Scholars with goals from Ryan Wynter after 16 minutes, James Dance just after the break and Nick Turton on 74 minutes, with Josh Moreman having reduced the deficit on the hour-mark.

And Belper Town enjoyed their best win for some time in hammering Gresley FC 5-2 at Christchurch Meadow.

And they were behind too after Jordan Ball`s ninth minute opener but by the time he scored his second six minutes after half-time, the Nailers were ahead through Rob Stevenson and Evan Garnett.

Jon Williams made it 3-2 on 57 minutes and Phil Watt on 65 minutes and Stevenson again 11 minutes from time, made it a nap hand for the home side.

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Where next?

Saturday's Premier Division action review North-East rivals Darlington 1883 and Blyth Spartans are still be neck and neck at the top of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division after Saturday`s round of matches, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.
Ingfielders part company with Reed EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Ossett Town have parted company with manager John Reed.

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