Toolstation NCEL Match Review 2015/16 #72
24th April, 2016
Congratulations to AFC Mansfield who claimed the second automatic promotion spot in Division One whilst the Premier Division title race and fight to avoid the drop remain undecided after Saturday's thrilling Toolstation NCEL action.
Tadcaster Albion returned to the summit in the top flight as Tom Corner's 28th minute strike was enough for a 1-0 home victory over Garforth Town and they are now a point ahead of Handsworth Parramore who were beaten 2-0 at relegation-threatened Brigg Town.
Luke Anderson struck twice for the Zebras, once in each half, to boost their survival hopes whilst Handsworth, who have two games to play compared to Tadcaster's three, drop to second.
Third-placed Cleethorpes Town's slim title hopes were ended as they were beaten 2-1 at Bridlington Town, Andy Norfolk and Brett Agnew scoring for the Seasiders who will finish fifth before Luke Mascall netted for Cleethorpes early in the second period.
Worksop Town are breathing down their necks for third spot after a late Matthew Booth brace helped the Tigers to a 3-2 home victory over Albion Sports.
The battle to stay up remains incredibly close with two out of five sides set to join Nostell Miners Welfare in demotion to Division One.
Nostell were beaten 3-1 at Liversedge, two goals from Benny Igehon adding to an early Ray Fogarty strike for the home side whilst Brian Mdaka got on the scoresheet for the visitors.
Despite the win, Sedge remain in the drop zone along with Pontefract Collieries who won 1-0 at home to Clipstone, Philip Lindley with the vital goal, and both teams are on 36 points, a point behind Brigg who are just outside the bottom three.
Parkgate, who were beaten 2-1 by visitors Staveley Miners Welfare, courtesy of a 74th minute own goal from Reece Wesley, drop to eighteenth and three points clear of danger, after Armthorpe Welfare leapfrogged over them on goal difference with a 2-0 victory at home to Thackley, a Damian Hopkins own goal added to by a Stuart Preston strike.
Athersley Recreation, Retford United and Garforth are all still looking over their shoulder at the relegation battle but they are virtually safe, six points away from the trapdoor.
Retford drew 2-2 at Rainworth Miners Welfare with Christian Savage scoring both of their goals in a game they led but then had to come from behind in to secure a point whilst a Cameron Rigby double condemned Athersley to a 2-0 home loss to Maltby Main.
In the day's other Premier Division game, Barton Town Old Boys drew 1-1 at home with Pickering Town.
In Division One, AFC Mansfield's 0-0 home draw with Hallam was enough to secure the runners-up position without having to rely on results elsewhere.
In the end, a defeat would have been enough as Bottesford Town, the only team who could catch them, were beaten 3-0 at champions Hemsworth Miners Welfare, the hosts lifting the trophy after a Bill Law brace and a Nash Connolly strike ended their fantastic season on a winning note.
Bottesford finish third and will be at home to Hallam in the play-off semi-finals whilst fourth placed AFC Emley, who drew 0-0 at Knaresborough Town, will host Penistone Church who are fifth after a 3-2 win at Grimsby Borough, Brett Lovell and Lewis Dickinson scoring in stoppage time to grab the victory.
Oliver Beaumont struck for Shirebrook Town as they won 1-0 at home to bottom side Worsbrough Bridge Athletic to confirm seventh spot.
Selby Town will finish in the top half after Chris Jackson's 28th minute strike earned them a single goal victory over visitors Hall Road Rangers to claim tenth ahead of Yorkshire Amateur who went down 5-2 at home to Westella VIP, Joe McFadyen and Chris Spinks netting two each for the away side.
There were 1-1 draws for Dronfield Town at home to Teversal and for Rossington Main at Eccleshill United whilst Lucas Middleton got the winner for Glasshoughton Welfare as they beat hosts Winterton Rangers, 2-1.