Saturday's First Division South review

By David Watters

Evo-Stik NPL First Division South

Coalville Town moved to within a point of leaders Halesowen Town in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's First Division South after beating Rainworth Miners Welfare on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

With the leaders' game at Gresley FC being one of four postponed, Ben Saunders scored the crucial goal for the Ravens with 12 minutes to go at Kirklington Road. And it turned out to be a great result for Adam Stevens` side as they were the only team in the top five to win on Saturday.

Leek Town`s game at home to Brigg Town was off, but both Belper Town and Sutton Coldfield Town were held to away draws. The Nailers were involved in a six-goal thriller at Queensgate against another play-off contender, Scarborough Athletic.

Belper led through goals from Jon Froggatt on seven minutes and Phil Watt eight minutes later before Boro pulled back to 2-2 through Gary Bradshaw on 28 minutes and Jimmy Beadle in the 41st. But Froggatt took Belper into the break 3-2 up with a goal right on the whistle – and that looked like being the winner until veteran striker Bradshaw popped up with the leveller five minutes from time from the penalty spot.

Sutton Coldfield trailed at Market Drayton Town to an 11th minute Sam Westray effort but managed to earn a point with a 76th minute equaliser from Dean Perrow.

Sutton Coldfield's tenants Romulus were looking to move closer to their fifth-placed landlords when they took on second-bottom Bedworth United at home. Their hopes were dashed thanks to Mitch Piggon whose 36th minute goal eventually earned United maximum points and saw them achieve their second success on the 3G at Coles Lane.

Bedworth`s joy was boosted with the news that the side immediately above them, Kidsgrove Athletic, had lost 4-0 at Loughborough Dynamo.

Kris Nurse bagged a first half brace for the hosts after Nathan Watson had given them a third minute lead, with Jarrod Westcarr adding the fourth 10 minutes from time. The gap is now down to just four points, with the Greenbacks possessing three games in hand over Grove.

Goole AFC won for the first time in five matches after a late winner against Lincoln United at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds.

Danny Brooks gave the visitors an 11th minute lead that was cancelled out right on half-time with a Sean Wright own goal. Boosted by that slice of luck, the Vikings went on to win for new manager Curtis Woodhouse, courtesy of an 86th minute Sam Colbear effort.

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