Saturday's First Division South action review

Rangers maintained their seven-point lead with a 3-1 Marston Road win over Gresley FC, thanks to Jermaine Johnson after 27 minutes and, after Jack Langston`s equaliser four minutes later, Ben Haseley on 45 minutes and Nathan Rooney on 57 minutes.

Shaw Lane, with three games in hand, hammered mid-table Spalding United 5-0 at home, James Walshaw scoring the only first half goal and then Gavin Allott, Lee Bennett and an Adam Priestley brace making it a nap hand for the home side.

Who joins in the other play-off places is now between Coalville Town, Basford United, Chasetown and Lincoln United, although Leek Town`s new management team won`t give up hope after Tim Grice`s 22nd minute effort was enough to beat former contenders Rugby Town at Harrison Park.

Coalville won 3-1 at Sheffield FC, with an Alex Troke brace, including one from the spot, adding to Bradley Munn`s first minute opener. Jordan Turner replied in the 89th minute but they are now virtually assured of a top five spot.

Basford still have work to do after being held 1-1 at Newcastle Town, whose Dan Cope gave them a 53rd minute lead that ex-Nottingham Forest favourite Eugen Bopp levelled 13 minutes from time.

Chasetown hold a two-point lead over Lincoln, who suffered the disappointment of losing 2-1 at Loughborough Dynamo, for whom Jamie Clarke from the spot and Lee Potts were on the mark in the first half. Ben Fairclough`s reply came from the spot on the hour-mark.

The Scholars almost put an end to bottom-markers Tividale`s place in the EVO-STIK NPL with a 2-1 win, thanks to Henry Eze on 58 minutes and Nick Turton on 66, with Matt Jukes replying 16 minutes from time.

With Daventry resigning, the others near the bottom are safe – the Motormen losing 3-1 at home against Stocksbridge Park Steels, whose Rory Coleman from the spot, Harrison Biggins and Keegan Burton were on target – Jetmir Esso netting for the hosts.

Carlton Ton edged out Market Drayton Town by the odd goal in five – coming back from 2-1 down after Jeff Watkins and Paul McMullen had given the visitors an advantage after Kallum Keane`s leveller, with Romaine Graham and Daniel Gordon goals.

Romulus hammered lowly Goole AFC 5-0 at Coles Lane with Luke Keen bagging four second half goals after Charisma Agbonlahor had opened the scoring in the 46th minute.

And Belper Town and Kidsgrove Athletic shared a 1-1 draw at Christchurch Meadow with Alex Steadman`s early sixth minute opener for the Nailers being cancelled out by Danny Smith on 33 minutes.

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