Saturday's First Division South action review

By David Watters

Spalding United`s lead at the top of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League First Division South table was cut to two points on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

The Tulips were held to a 1-1 draw at mid-table Chasetown, whose Mitch Piggon cancelled out Bradley Wells` early second minute opener five minutes into the second half.

Shaw Lane AFC took advantage in second place by winning 2-1 at home against Carlton Town, coming back from a 26th minute Danny Gordon goal down to win, thanks to Alex Byrne after 55 minutes and Kieran Lugsden 10 minutes later.

Newcastle Town are a point back in third after also winning 2-1 at Sheffield FC.

James Askey gave Castle a 42nd minute lead that Pat Lindley levelled after 57 minutes. But a 66th minute Hafeez Hamzat own goal sealed Castle`s victory.

Witton Albion and Romulus complete the top five, although Roms were beaten 1-0 at Coles Lane by a 42nd minute Joe Lumsden effort for Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Albion won 2-1 at Wincham Park against Basford United with goals from Rob Hopley after 29 minutes and Paul Williams 20 minutes from time, rendering Courey Grantham`s reply four minutes later as just a consolation in the end.

Gary Moran was unable to celebrate being handed permanent control of bottom-markers Rugby Town as his side went down 2-0 at Butlin Road to improving Northwich Victoria, for whom Daniel Cockerline after 15 minutes and then Kieran Nolan a minute from time, were on the mark.

Belper Town and Leek Town shared a goalless draw at Christchurch Meadow, but Leek`s neighbours Kidsgrove Athletic moved out of the drop zone with a 4-1 win at Loughborough Dynamo.

Sam Saunders actually put the hosts in front but Anthony Malbon on 31 minutes, Lee Pickerill, a Louis Guest own goal and Ross Davidson, turned the game round for Grove.

Gresley FC led through Tendai Chitiza`s sixth minute goal at The Moat against Market Drayton Town, whose Dan Beddows levelled seven minutes later.

Aidan Haughton then put the visitors in front five minutes before half-time, only for goals from Pearson Mwanyongo and Courtney Meade within a minute of each other midway through the second half, to win it for the Moatmen.

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Where next?

Saturday's Premier Division action review A reduced fixture list in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Premier Division saw Buxton maintain their two-point lead over Whitby Town after both won on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.
First performance kings unveiled! Whitby Town and table-topping Brighouse Town and Spalding United are the first winners of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Club of the Month accolades.

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