Retford United have cut the gap in their title chase with Sheffield to nine points after a busy midweek schedule.

The Badgers, who have four games in hand, won 3-2 at Eccleshill United whilst Sheffield dropped two points at home to Maltby Main in a 1-1 draw.

Retford had gone behind through a Stuart Waite goal just before the hour mark but three goals in thirteen minutes turned the game around as Mark Ashton, Mick Godber and player-manager Mark Shaw all found the net.

Scott Broughton pulled one back in injury time for the home side but it proved not to be enough.

Meanwhile, Sheffield took the lead in their encounter with Maltby on 28 minutes from Vill Powell but Main drew level on the stroke of half-time through Ashley Longstaff.

In the chasing pack, the hunt for possible promotion places continues with Carlton Town strengthening their hold on fourth place with a 4-0 home win over Thackley.

All the goals came in a hectic last twenty minutes as Steve Chaplin, Grant Brindley, Aidan Brady and Darryl Thomas struck to move Carlton to within a point of Garforth Town who are third.

Selby Town moved up to fifth with a 2-1 win against visitors Glasshoughton Welfare.

But, the Robins, who went behind on 32 minutes from Stuart Dove, had to wait until the final ten minutes to claim the victory as Neil Towler and Christian Fox got the late goals.

Glapwell?s promotion push, however, was dealt a blow as they went down to a single goal at Long Eaton United as David Wilkinson?s 62nd-minute strike separated the sides.

Pickering Town moved up to thirteenth after a 1-0 win at Sutton Town, Mark Swales finding the net on 35 minutes.

Basement side Brodsworth Welfare?s woes continued as they were beaten 4-0 at home to Hallam.

Billy Rowley opened the scoring on 14 minutes before a second-half brace from Scott Bates and a goal from Andy Rigg settled the issue after the interval.

But, Shirebrook Town?s renaissance continues thanks to a single-goal home win over Arnold Town as Chris Wall?s 21st-minute strike stretched their unbeaten run to four games.

The Langwith Road side are still in the bottom three but are now only four points behind Glasshoughton Welfare in seventeenth.

Congratulations, meanwhile, to Parkgate who have picked up the first silverware of the season.

They lifted the Wilkinson Sword Trophy after beating Staveley Miners Welfare over two legs.

And, after the first encounter goal fest that saw Parkgate leave Inkersall Road with a 4-3 advantage, the return fixture was not as eventful as it ended goalless.

It could be one of four successes for Vinnie Brady?s side as they are still challenging for the Division One title, the League Cup and the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup.

Meanwhile, a hat-trick from Dave Middleditch plus a goal each from Tony Law and Channon North saw Mickleover Sports progress easily to the Semi-Finals of the League Cup, 5-1, at Pontefract Collieries.

Chris Shaw got Ponte?s consolation and Sports now entertain Staveley Miners Welfare in the last four.