Saturday's First Division South action review

By David Watters

Stafford Rangers maintained their thirteen-point lead at the top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division South table on Saturday after winning 2-1 at Stocksbridge Park Steels, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Ben Haseley put Rangers in front at Bracken Moor after 11 minutes. Liam McFadyen levelled 10 minutes after half-time, only for Rangers to restore their lead on the hour-mark, courtesy of Nathan Rooney.

Coalville Town, Shaw Lane Aquaforce and Basford United all won to remain in the top four.

The Ravens beat Gresley FC 3-1 at The Moat with goals from Lee Torr after 10 minutes, Alex Troke from the penalty spot right on half-time and then, after boss Gary Ricketts had reduced the arrears on 66 minutes, Callum Woodward from the spot with 12 minutes remaining.

Shaw Lane won 2-1 at a Chasetown side who started the day in fifth.

On-loan James Walshaw put the visitors ahead after just four minutes and they doubled that 14 minutes later through Gavin Allott. Paul Sullivan replied for the Scholars five minutes before the break, but they were unable to find a leveller.

Basford eased to a 4-1 win at Kidsgrove Athletic, who led through Nick Wellecomme after just nine minutes.

Courey Grantham equalised 9 minutes later and a Ruben Wiggins-Thomas spot-kick took the Nottingham side into the break in front. Grantham added his second and the visitors` third after 73 minutes and a second Wiggins-Thomas penalty five minutes from time added gloss to the scoreline.

Lincoln United replaced Chasetown in fifth but were held to a 2-2 Ashby Avenue draw by Belper Town.

Gary King had the home side in front after 32 minutes, but Jack O`Brien levelled on 65 minutes. Rob Norris restored United`s lead with 12 minutes to go, only for Bradley Wells to rescue a point for the Nailers in stoppage time.

Darren Chadwick`s 68th minute effort proved the winner for Leek Town as they are now level on points with Chasetown after beating Sheffield FC at Harrison Park.

Spalding United and Rugby Town, both on the fringes of the play-off race, shared a 1-1 draw at the Sir Halley Stewart Fields.

Dan Bannister gave the Tulips an 18th minute lead that Kevin Thornton cancelled out 10 minutes into the second half.

Market Drayton Town, who have played a game more, are also on forty-eight points after winning 2-1 at home to third-bottom Goole AFC.

Will Whieldon on 12 minutes and Kevin Street five minutes later had the Shropshire side in command, but Nathan Joynes` 28th minute response gave the Vikings a chance they were unable to take.

Bottom side Tividale are looking doomed after a 3-0 home loss to a Carlton Town side who are now seven points clear of the drop zone.

Romello Nangle after 14 minutes and a Daniel Gordon brace on 49 and 52 minutes – the second from the spot – sealed a comfortable win for the Nottingham side.

However, second-bottom Loughborough Dynamo moved to within a point of Goole after a 2-0 home win against fast-falling fourth-bottom Daventry Town, Mark Shelton after 56 minutes and Jamie Clarke six minutes later the home marksmen.

Barry Fitzharris gave Romulus a 19th minute lead at Coles Lane against Newcastle Town. Jake Donnelly doubled the home side`s advantage 4 minutes later, with Castle replying through Luke Askey eight minutes after the break.

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Where next?

Saturday's Transfer List Confirmed player movements registered with the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League from Sunday 6 March to 11am on Saturday 12 March 2016.
Saturday's First Division North action review It`s as you were in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's First Division North table after the top five all won on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

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