NCEL Weekend Review
8th April, 2007
Retford United have cut Sheffield's advantage at the top of the Premier Division to three points despite being held to a goalless draw at home to Sutton Town.
The Badgers could not take full advantage of a 2-0 defeat for the leaders as they came up against a resilient Sutton side in a tense game that was watched by 309 people.
Sheffield's loss came at fourth-placed Garforth Town who strengthened their claims for a promotion spot thanks to first half goals from Liam Brompton and Greg Kelly.
Carlton Town kept hold of third position as they claimed their seventh successive victory with a 3-0 win at Hallam, the only away success in the top flight.
Darryl Thomas and Michael Martin gave them an early two goal advantage at Sandygate before Martin Ball added the third with fifteen minutes remaining.
Selby Town and Glapwell both kept alive their outside chances of a move up into the UniBond League with victories at home to the bottom two sides.
Selby are fifth after a 5-1 home victory over Brodsworth Welfare with Adam Russell grabbing a hat-trick whilst there was one each for Neil Towler and Tom Matthews.
Nathan Hill got a consolation in the dying seconds for Welfare.
And, Ant Lynam's 75th-minute strike earned Glapwell all three points at home to Thackley.
Mickleover Sports moved up into seventh with a 3-1 win at home to Arnold Town despite going behind to a 12th-minute Andrew Haskins goal.
Dave Middleditch equalised before half-time and then a Ryan Franklin own goal and a second for Middleditch sealed the points.
Armthorpe Welfare were the only other movers in the Premier Division after Stuart Preston and Nathan Iley struck in the second period to claim a 2-1 home victory over Shirebrook Town.
Nick Jaggar scored twice in the last four minutes to give Liversedge a 2-1 win over visitors Eccleshill United who had gone into the lead through Ian Green.
Two goals from Danny MacLachlan helped Glasshoughton Welfare to a comfortable 4-1 victory at home to Long Eaton United and Maltby Main were beaten 3-1 at Pickering Town.
Meanwhile, the Division One title race has swung in Parkgate's favour.
They smashed through the 100-goal barrier with a 9-1 home demolition of Gedling Town.
There were two goals each for Caine Cheetham, Brian Cusworth and Matt Outram whilst Richard Patterson, Ryan Johnson and Richard Haigh also got on the scoresheet.
Michael Grinion found the net on a day that was otherwise thoroughly miserable for Gedling.
Parkgate now need just four points from their last three games to claim the title after second-placed Winterton Rangers were beaten by a Dean Shirt 39th-minute goal at Worsbrough Bridge.
That makes the gap nine points and Rangers have only four games remaining.
South Normanton Athletic are virtually assured third place after a Simon Johnson hat-trick saw them claim a 3-0 victory at bottom side Rossington Main.
And, Nostell Miners Welfare tightened their grip on fourth with a 2-0 home win over Teversal as Neil Beardsmore and Paul Bedford grabbed the goals.
They are eight points clear of fifth-placed Lincoln Moorlands who were beaten 1-0 at home to Borrowash Victoria.
Hall Road Rangers were convincing 4-1 winners over visitors Yorkshire Amateur, an Adam Walker brace helping them move up to tenth.
Staveley Miners Welfare were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Pontefract Collieries but both goals came in second-half stoppage time.
Kevin Duckworth had thought he had sealed the points for the away side before Ben Kistell replied immediately for Staveley.
And, 1-1 was also the scoreline between AFC Emley and Tadcaster Albion.