Saturday's First Division South action review

By David Watters

It`s looking increasingly like Stafford Rangers` title as they moved an a whopping fifteen points clear at the top of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's First Division South table on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

A last-gasp Nathan Rooney goal in the 95th minute eventually sealed Stafford`s win against Leek Town in front of a crowd of 852 at Marston Road.

Rangers` lead was increased thanks to second-placed Coalville Town`s 1-0 defeat at Owen Street by Lincoln United, who are now seventh but level on points with fifth-placed Chasetown. Sean Wright`s goal four minutes before half-time proved good enough for United.

Chasetown, meanwhile, won 2-1 at home against another of the top five contenders, Daventry Town.

Nick Turton put the Scholars ahead after 22 minutes. But they needed a stoppage time Stanley Mugisha goal to win it after Dav equalised through Mitch Piggon after 62 minutes.

Spalding United are fourth after a Kieran Davies effort in the sixth minute eventually earned them a victory at the Sir Halley Stewart Field against another play-off candidate, Romulus.

Basford United are sixth after a 2-0 win at home against Gresley FC.

Deon Meikle put the Nottingham side ahead after 32 minutes. But it wasn`t until four minutes from the end when a Jamie Barrett own goal settled home nerves.

From being in the bottom two before Christmas to within three points of the top five, Rugby Town eased to a 4-0 Butlin Road win against Loughborough Dynamo.

Valley`s fourth successive win since Christmas and fifth all told, was sealed with a David Kolodynski brace of penalties in the 26th minute and 34th minutes. They arrived after Jamie Towers had given them a second minute lead, with Callum Powell wrapping things up with number four 12 minutes from time.

Belper Town are also just three points off a top five slot after winning 2-0 at Newcastle Town, courtesy of Jonathan Williams after 57 minutes and Alex Steadman`s spot-kick 20 minutes later.

The day`s other game saw Goole AFC and Kidsgrove Athletic share six goals at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds.

Grove led 3-0 with goals from Ashley Hodgkinson after five minutes, Danny Smith just before half-time and Jordan Johnson on 70 minutes. But back came the Vikings with Aaron Moxam on 79 minutes, Sam Colbear on 85 minutes and then Nick Guest made it 3-3 in sixth minute of stoppage time!

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Where next?

Saturday's First Division North action review Warrington Town overtook inactive long-time leaders Northwich Victoria at the top of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's First Division North on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.
Saturday's Transfer List Confirmed player movements registered with the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League from Sunday 3 January to 11am on Saturday 9 January 2016.

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