Tuesday's First Division South action review

By David Watters

Stafford Rangers are now the only team in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's First Division South yet to be beaten after Tuesday night saw Stocksbridge Park Steels lose for the first time, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Ben Haseley`s 77th minute goal eventually proved enough for Stafford in their derby win at bottom-markers Tividale to make it five wins from their opening six matches.

Steels were beaten 2-1 at Harrison Park by fancied Leek Town, for whom Marc Strzyzewski gave them a 52nd minute breakthrough that Rory Coleman cancelled out within a minute. But Dan Cope popped up with his second match-winner in four days with 15 minutes remaining.

Coalville Town moved up to second spot after Nathan Watson`s goal just past the hour-mark proved enough to see off Newcastle Town at Owen Street.

Newly-promoted Basford United complete the top five but they were beaten 2-1 at the Victoria Pleasure Gardens by Goole AFC.

Bobby Johnson gave the Vikings a 26th minute lead that Jamie Coulson doubled after 63 minutes. Cory Grantham reduced the arrears, but it came as stoppage time approached.

Rugby Town are finding life extremely tough since being switched from the EVO-STIK League Southern and were beaten 2-0 at Butlin Road by Romulus to leave them with just one win from seven.

Former Rugby favourite Luke Keen put the Roms ahead after 25 minutes and victory was assured 20 minutes from time when Ged Oldnall added the visitors` second.

Spalding United recovered from losing their first game of the season last Saturday to beat Belper Town 2-1 at the Sir Halley Stewart Field.

Recent signing Tom Liversedge gave the Nailers a 20th minute lead but Josh Moreman after 32 minutes and Charley Sanders on 83 minutes sealed the Tulips` win.

Market Drayton Town made it four successive wins – three in the league and one in the FA Cup – after a good 1-0 win at The Scholars against Chasetown, thanks to a 15th minute Tom Lowe effort.

Shaw Lane Aquaforce are settling nicely in the higher grade and comfortably beat Loughborough Dynamo at home.

Matt Thornhill gave the hosts an early seventh minute lead that Lee Bennett added to 10 minutes later. Steve Hart reduced the arrears seven minutes before the break but a Gavin Allott brace in the 52nd and 69th minutes sealed Aquaforce`s win.

Sheffield FC were the evening`s other winners, beating Lincoln United 3-1 at the Coach & Horses.

Benny Igiehon gave the home side the boost of an early sixth minute opener that Paul Grimes cancelled out after 24 minutes. Conor Glavin eventually restored Club`s lead 11 minutes from time, with Shaquille McKenzie making sure with a third on 86 minutes.

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