Saturday's First Division South review

The top two in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division South both dropped valuable points on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Leaders Halesowen Town are now five points clear at the top, but had to be content with a point from a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns against lowly Brigg Town.

Oliver Fisher's 40th minute goal cancelled out Ben Haseley's 32nd minute opener for the visitors before Halesey struck again four minutes before half time. The Yeltz were reduced to ten-men after 80 minutes when Thomas Tonks received his second yellow card and Brigg made them pay when full debutant Josh Nichol scored with six minutes remaining.

Second-placed Leek Town lost their derby at third-bottom Kidsgrove Athletic. A crowd of 385 saw Shane Reaney give Grove a 55th minute breakthrough and ex-Leek man Wayne Johnson added a second four minutes from time.

The top five is completed by Sutton Coldfield Town, Coalville Town and Mickleover Sports, and all won on Saturday.

Sutton Coldfield secured a comfortable 4-1 win at Ashby Avenue against Lincoln United. Craig Milligan gave the Royals a 12th minute lead that Andy Toyne cancelled out immediately from the spot. Milligan restored the visitors lead on 27 minutes and then Joel Kettle on 49 minutes and a Craig Turner own goal completed Sutton's victory.

Coalville won 2-0 at Owen Street in front of a crowd of 342 against another play-off chaser, Scarborough Athletic. Jordan Hempenstall broke the deadlock by putting the Ravens in front after 58 minutes and Rob Evans made sure with a second 10 minutes from time.

Mickleover took on second-bottom Bedworth United, who were sunk by goals from Chris Palmer right on half-time and Karl Demidh midway through the second half.

The Greenbacks also lost defender Jamie Greenway to what looked a serious injury to the lower part of his leg. He was stretchered off in the 63rd minute after a lengthy delay after injuring himself clearing the ball during a Mickleover attack.

Newcastle Town are sixth after edging out Loughborough Dynamo 2-1 at the Lyme Valley Stadium. Kris Nurse gave the visitors the lead right on half-time, only for Jordan Cole to level from the spot two minutes after the break. Tom Unwin then won it for 'Castle with eight minutes remaining.

Chasetown made it four straight wins at top five-chasing Belper Town, who dropped four places in the table as a consequence of this 4-1 defeat at Christchurch Meadow.

Danny Bragoli after 14 minutes, Lee Butler on 24, Nick Wellecomme on 53 and Paul Sullivan in the 82nd minute all grabbed a goal apiece as the Scholars were comfortable winners – Chris Jones had reduced the arrears in the 25th minute.

Romulus and Market Drayton Town shared a goalless draw at Coles Lane, while a stunning free-kick from Alexander Troke 16 minutes from time rescued a point for Carlton Town in a 2-2 draw at bottom-markers Eastwood Town.

The Badgers looked set for their first win since August when Shaun Archbold put them 2-1 ahead on 65 minutes with a fine free-kick of his own. But Troke rescued a point for an out of sorts Carlton. Jack Coulson had given the home side a fifth minute lead when he headed home unmarked from a corner, before Ruben Wiggins-Thomas levelled on 18 minutes when he headed home from close range after an excellent run and cross by Ben Flynn.

MacVicar had a goal disallowed for offside with the scores level at one apiece, but Eastwood looked a better side than their league position would suggest and the Millers could have no complaints with the final result.