Tuesday's First Division South review

By David Watters

Second-placed Spalding United were looking to reduce the gap to leaders Shaw Lane AFC to just three points when they travelled to Carlton Town in EVO-STIK Northern Premier League First Division South on Tuesday night, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

But in the end they found themselves on the wrong end of an astonishing game at Stoke Lane which ended 4-3 to the Nottingham outfit despite their current lowly station, courtesy of a last-gasp winner.

The title-chasing Tulips fell behind on 28 minutes when Jordan Wilson deflected Danny Elliott's shot beyond Michael Duggan. The visitors were level six minutes later when Leon Mettam's strike from just inside the area was deflected past Jack Steggles.

However, Carlton went back in front on the stroke of half-time when Kevin Lusamba fired home after a terrific run and cross from William Mellors-Blair. The Millers controlled most of the second period and looked to have won the game when Danny Gordon fired into the bottom corner on 76 minutes.

Spalding responded immediately though with Mettam getting his second two minutes later from close range, and the comeback was complete just two minutes after that when Nathan Stainfield scored a screamer from 30 yards.

At that stage it looked as if the Tulips would get the win, but Carlton dug deep and with the game in the fourth and final minute of added time, Lawrence Gorman crossed for Kieran Walker to fire home.

Witton Albion took advantage of Spalding`s slip to move to within a point of them in third – and with a massive five games in hand on the Tulips!

Albion beat Belper Town 2-1 at Wincham Park, taking a 25th minute lead through Bradley Bauress. Jonathan Williams quickly cancelled that out just two minutes later. But Tolani Omatola won it for Albion with 12 minutes remaining.

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Where next?

Tuesday's Premier Division action review Blyth Spartans increased their lead at the top of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division table to ten points on Tuesday night with a 2-0 win at Cantilever Park against mid-table Warrington Town, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.
Spartans spirit lifting leaders Blyth Spartans boss Alun Armstrong is hailing the bond between the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League leaders and their fans.

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