Saturday's First South action review

19 Feb 2017 By David Watters

First Division South news

Saturday's big game game between the top two in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League First Division South saw Shaw Lane AFC beat Spalding United 3-1 to move six points clear with a whopping five games in hand, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Gavin Allott gave the hosts the lead on the half-hour mark in Barnsley, only for Nathan Stainfield to equalise for the Tulips 11 minutes into the second half. But a second for Allott after 69 minutes and then Gary Burnett`s effort 10 minutes from time, sealed victory for the hosts.

Third-placed Witton Albion have six games in hand on the leaders, but dropped two home points when they could only manage a 0-0 draw against Lincoln United.

Newcastle Town moved level on points with Witton after a 2-1 win at Chasetown, with goals from Chris Baker after seven minutes and then Jordan Cole in the last seconds of the game after Joe Thomas had levelled on 57 minutes.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds have a four-point cushion over sixth-placed Basford United after winning 1-0 at Kidsgrove Athletic, thanks to a 74th minute Tom Lorraine effort.

Basford also won though, 2-1 at home to third-bottom Loughborough Dynamo with goals from Sam Osborne and Kyle Dixon sandwiching a Karl Demidh reply for Dynamo.

Leek Town in seventh are just a point behind the Nottinghamshire side and also have games in hand after their 1-0 win at Carlton Town, Darren Chadwick`s 28th minute penalty proving decisive.

Northwich Victoria`s sorry season had a bit of a boost on Saturday as they won 2-0 at Gresley FC`s Moat Ground, John Bennett and a Dave Short spot-kick earning Vics a sixth win to date.

The win also moved them to within two points of second-bottom Rugby Town who lost 1-0 at Butlin Road to Stocksbridge Park Steels, Josh Meade scoring the only goal seven minutes from time.

Elsewhere, inconsistent Market Drayton Town showed their good side on Saturday, winning 2-0 at the Zeeco Stadium against Stamford AFC, courtesy of Shaquille Leachman-Whittingham and Andre James in the final 17 minutes.

It was a brace apiece for Sheffield FC`s James Gregory and Bedworth United`s experienced Iyseden Christie as the sides shared a 2-2 draw at the BT Local Business Stadium.

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Where next?

Knocked out striker on the mend Coalville Town striker Edilson Antonio is expected to make a full recovery after being knocked out in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League on Saturday.

Gordon has chance to be next Vardy Stafford Rangers striker Josh Gordon is getting ready to go on trial with champions Leicester City after scoring the winner in his side's 3-2 victory over Workington in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's top flight on Saturday.