STEP 5 ROUND-UPS

NORTHERN LEAGUE

WATERLOGGED pitches put paid to all but three games across the two divisions of the Northern League.

One of two top flight games to take place saw South Shields take the chance to reduce the gap on leaders North Shields.

The Mariners defeated bottom club Chester-le-Street Town 3-0 on home soil ahead of their FA Vase quarter final next weekend.

Goals from Jon Shaw, Gavin Cogdon and David Foley made it 18 successive victories for the rampant South Shields.

Shaw gave Shields a 16th-minute lead and former Premier League star Julio Arca had a penalty saved before Cogdon’s header made it two. Foley completed the scoring eight minutes from time.

In the other top flight match, Bishop Auckland drew 4-4 at home to Newcastle Benfield.

Goals from Dylan McEvoy and Matty Cornish gave Benfield a two-goal lead by the break, before quick goals from Leon Carling and James Fairley restored parity.

Priestly Griffiths and Michael Hoganson made it 4-2, but a late Mark Turnbull strike and Ben Riding own goal earned Benfield a point.

Billingham Town boosted their promotion hopes in Division Two with a 4-1 win over Easington – Craig Hutchinson scoring twice. JEFF BOWRON

NORTH WEST COUNTIES

FREE-SCORING Bootle maintained their place at the top of the table with a 6-1 thumping of Padiham.

But 1874 Northwich are hot on their heels after their 4-1 defeat of Squires Gate saw them leapfrog Atherton Collieries into second. The Collieries’ game at Barnoldswick Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Carl Peers led the way with a secondhalf double to add to his brace in the 9-0 victory over AFC Darwen the previous week.

Michael Ordish and Anthony Rendell fired Bootle into a 2-0 interval lead, while Steven Jones and Michael Carberry also got their names on the scoresheet in the second half.

On the scoresheet for Northwich were Jason Carey and Lee Jones while Thomas Bailey bagged a goal in each half – his second coming from the penalty spot.

Two Mark Houghton goals helped Runcorn Linnets to a 4-1 win at West Didsbury & Chorlton, which hoisted them above neighbours Runcorn Town into fourth.

Congleton Town were convincing 3-0 winners at Abbey Hey and it was the same scoreline at Ashton Athletic, where two goals from Lee Vaughan helped them see off lowly New Mills.

Jordan Johnson hit the winner for Winsford United in their narrow 3-2 win at Maine Road, while the only other game to beat the weather was at Irlam, where visitors Nelson struck late to earn a 1-1 draw. DAVID LAWRENCE

NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST

JUST ONE GAME got the go ahead as weather caused havoc across the fixture list this weekend.

That match was the midtable battle between Garforth Town and Bottesford Town.

It was Garforth who came out on top, getting back to winning ways with a 4-1 victory and dashing any hopes Bottesford had of making it three successive league wins.

Four victories in a row were dampened by defeat last time out for Garforth, but they looked strong from the off yesterday.

Lee Turner opened the scoring for the home side, sliding the ball in midway through the opening period. However, Bottesford levelled on the stroke of half-time as Paul Grimes tucked home a penalty.

Turner then took his, and his side’s, tally for the afternoon to two when he latched on to Mark Simpson’s through ball and finished well.

Mitch Hamilton then came close to making it 3-1, but his goalbound shot was blocked by his own man.

However, that did not matter after 66 minutes as Hamilton did get his name on the scoresheet to effectively seal the points.

There was still time for a little bit of history, as Simpson made it 4-1 from the penalty spot. His goal equalled a club record of scoring in eight games in a row. JONNY BONELL

MIDLAND LEAGUE

STAR STRIKER Shay Brennan struck a second-half double to help steer St Andrews to a 4-1 win at home to Shawbury United.

The hotshot took his tally to 34 for the season after Sam Hollis had handed the Leicestershire side an interval lead.

Ben Tinsley made it 4-0 to St Andrews before Marc Stallard netted a last-minute Shawbury consolation.

Lye Town and Westfields were the only teams in the top five in action, but they failed to take advantage as both lost on their travels.

Lye went down 2-1 at Long Eaton Town in spite of Ben Billingham firing them ahead from the spot.

Andy Todd levelled with another spot kick before the impressive Romaine Graham fired United to victory 11 minutes from time.

Westfields went down 4-2 at Heanor Town where the home side twice came from behind. Chris Ham struck early in each half for the visitors but these were cancelled out by a Nathan Benger penalty and a Jack Warner effort. Two goals from Jay Cooper in the final eight minutes sent the points Heanor’s way.

The day’s other game to beat the weather saw Quorn run out 2-1 winners at Boldmere St Michaels.

James Hicks broke the deadlock in the 61st minute and Joe Lyng equalised seven minutes later – only for Callum Thompson to grab Quorn’s winner moments later. DAVID LAWRENCE

ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE

BARKING capitalised on Clapton and Southend Manor not playing to return to the top of the table with a 5-3 win in a thriller over Takeley.

Petrit Elbi gave the Blues an early lead before Takeley hit back with two quick goals from Reece Barrett and Charlie Cole.

Joe Thornton equalised for Barking, but Takeley regained the lead through George Powell before the break. In the second half James Ingram bagged a double and Max Watters added a fifth as Barking ran away with the game.

Stansted moved up to fourth as they beat Tower Hamlets 4-0 – Jack Isherwood leading the way with a double.

Another team to climb up the table was FC Romania, who scored four second-half goals to beat Hullbridge Sports 5-1. Ionut Danila was the star for Romania, scoring a 17-minute hattrick trick to round off the scoring.

Sporting Bengal ran out 4-0 winners over Enfield 1893, while there were 3-0 wins for both Wadham Lodge and Waltham Forest, the former at London Bari and the latter at home to Haringey & Waltham.

Burnham Ramblers left it late to snatch a point at Barkingside. Trailing 2-1, Bradley Morgan, stretchered off last week, netted the equaliser to make it 2-2.

In the Gordon Brasted Trophy, Redbridge came from behind to win 3-1 at Southend Manor.

DAVID BALLHEIMER

EASTERN COUNTIES

MILDENHALL TOWN saw their lead at the top cut to eight points after suffering a 1-0 loss at sixth-placed Great Yarmouth Town.

Haydn Davis scored the game’s only goal from the penalty spot on the hour mark, and Mildenhall later had Chris Bacon sent off to complete a miserable afternoon.

Newmarket Town are up to second after a thumping 6-2 win against Godmanchester Rovers. Jamie Thurlbourne, Austen Diaper and Lewis Whitehead were among the scorers for the home side as they ran riot.

Felixstowe & Walton United fell to third after a desperately disappointing 3-1 defeat away to Thetford Town. Despite the result, Thetford remain in seventh place.

Richard Chadwick struck the only goal of the game as Saffron Walden Town secured a tenth home win, over Hadleigh United.

In the day’s other two games, fifthplaced Stanway Rovers recorded a 2-1 home victory against Brantham Athletic and Kirkley & Pakefield are up to eighth after running out 1-0 winners at home to Ipswich Wanderers.

There were two matches postponed on Saturday due to pitches being unfit to play – fourth-placed Gorleston’s match away to relegation-threatened FC Clacton and Wivenhoe Town’s home game against Walsham-LeWillows. RORY HAYWARD

SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS

THE TITLE RACE is really starting to take shape but this weekend could now prove pivotal as London Colney extended their lead at the top of the table to five points.

Their 2-0 win at Stotfold was their 24th of the season and came courtesy of two first-half goals from top scorer Jon Clements.

Second-placed Hertford Town went into their home game with Biggleswade United having won their previous four games, but went on to suffer a shock 2-0 defeat. A wonderful Nick Elliott strike and an own goal earned the visitors an excellent away win.

Third-placed Cockfosters recorded their seventh successive home win as they defeated Wembley 3-2. Ben Hart netted twice, including the all-important winner, with Emmanuel Melford-Rowe netting the other. Hoddesdon Town meanwhile, remain fourth despite losing 3-1 at home to Sun Sports.

With bottom-placed Broxbourne Borough not in action, the other sides at the foot of the table had the chance to pull away. Leighton Town took their chance as they won for the first time in six games, beating Oxhey Jets 3-1 and London Tigers eased their concerns with a 3-1 win at home to Berkhamsted.

Elsewhere, Crawley Green won 2-0 at St Margaretsbury and Welwyn Garden City lost 3-2 at home to Tring Athletic, with Jack Read among the scorers for the visitors.

CHRIS MITCHELL

COMBINED COUNTIES

GOAL MACHINE Sam Argent broke a new milestone as runaway leaders Hartley Wintney won 6-1 against third-bottom Raynes Park Vale.

Hat-trick hero Argent brought up his 50th goal of the season in all competitions with his hat-trick.

Yet Vale had taken an 18th-minute lead through Adam Roberts before The Row got into gear, equalising through Ross Cook after 42 minutes.

Captain Argent then really came to the rescue, putting the hosts ahead on 53 minutes, before Dean Stow made it 3-1 on 73 minutes.

Debutant Adam Liddle scored his first senior goal two minutes later and Argent netted two late on for his treble.

The Row are now 23 points clear of newly second-placed Hanworth Villa,

who beat tenth-placed visitors Guildford City 2-1.

Non-playing Westfield fell to third, while Walton & Hersham still sit fourth despite a thrilling 4-3 loss at secondbottom Badshot Lea. Benga Ogunseye grabbed a treble, including a penalty, for the hosts, after Cameron Blackie had started their goal rush.

Epsom & Ewell climb two spots to fifth after a 3-0 success at Chertsey Town thanks to Daryl Cooper-Smith’s double and Jordan Gallagher’s goal.

Horley Town suffered a surprising 4-2 loss at basement boys Bedfont & Feltham, hosts Knaphill lost 2-1 to CB Hounslow United, Abbey Rangers triumphed 3-2 at Farnham Town, Windsor won 2-0 at Colliers Wood United and Bedfont Sports won 1-0 at Sutton Common Rovers. DAVID GROVES

SOUTHERN COMBINATION

SHOREHAM, who started the day as leaders, were held to a draw at home by seventh-placed Eastbourne Town.

Evan Archibald put the visitors ahead on the hour mark, but Joe Dryer and Rob O’Toole were both then on target for the home side.

It was left to Alan Capon to salvage a point for Eastbourne, with the result leaving Shoreham two points clear at the top.

Chichester City remain third, now five points behind leaders Shoreham, after running out impressive 4-2 winners at home to Hassocks. Scott Jones netted twice, with Kieran and Dan Watts also on the scoresheet.

Worthing United climbed out of the drop zone with a vital 3-0 away victory against bottom side Hailsham Town. Tadley Bromage, Alfie Gritt and Paul Elliott were all on target for the away side.

Lowly Arundel are still three points adrift from safety after suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to sixth-placed Broadbridge Heath.

Jake Holmes grabbed a brace for Broadbridge after Harry Russell had given Arundel an early lead.

In the day’s other game, Loxwood secured a comfortable 4-1 home win against Wick.

Max Bickell, Ollie Gill, Byron Napper and Charlie Pitcher were Loxwood’s scorers. RORY HAYWARD

HELLENIC LEAGUE

FORMIDABLE Flackwell Heath are the new leaders after a 1-0 win at fourth-placed Highworth Town.

Adam Dickins’ 70th-minute penalty did the trick in front of 101 fans at The Elms Recreation Ground as they leapfrogged Bracknell Town, who were without a league fixture, into top spot.

The Heathens now lead by a point, although they have played three games more than the previous pacesetters.

Third-placed Thame United won 2-0 at Thatcham Town through Dan West’s goal and Lynton Gos’ penalty.

Ardley United stay in sixth with a 2-1 triumph at Royal Wootton Bassett thanks to efforts by Jack Ross and Matt Cruise.

Brimscombe & Thrupp thrashed hosts Ascot United 5-1 thanks to Ed Major’s brace and goals from Jack Smith, Ben Deakin from the spot and Olly Pitt. Luis Bowers had equalised in vain for the hosts after 14 minutes.

Longlevens AFC triumphed 2-1 at third-bottom Oxford City Nomads and Highmoor-Ibis drew 0-0 at basement boys Henley Town.

Non-playing Burnham Town remain in second from bottom position, two points above Henley Town.

Brackley Town Saints, who were also without a league fixture, remain fourth bottom and the bottom four sides are separated by just four points, making it tight at the top and other extreme of the standings.

DAVID GROVES

SOUTHERN COUNTIES EAST

AS SNOW hit the South-East, only two league games survived the weather.

Croydon moved into the top ten after a 3-1 over Lordswood at the Croydon Arena.

Reece Franklin gave the Trams an 11th-minute lead but Lordswood levelled in the 32nd minute when Sam Lovage looped home a header from Tom Carter’s long throw-in.

Seven minutes later the Lords were reduced to ten men when skipper Adam Hooper was shown a straight red card for a foul.

Despite their reduced numbers the visitors were given a chance to take the lead with a 65th minute penalty, but Sam Hallett blasted against the bar.

That proved the turning point as Andy Mott scored twice in the subsequent eleven minutes to give Croydon the points.

In the other top flight game, AFC Croydon Athletic moved up to sixth spot after Warren Mfula’s second-half goal earned them a 1-1 draw at home to Rochester United. The visitors had taken the lead midway through the first half courtesy of Rob Alderman’s goal.

Ashford United reached the Kent Senior Trophy Final for a second straight season, beating Canterbury City 3-0.

Adrian Stone scored all three goals in the last ten minutes as United set up a final with Deal Town or Cray Valley, whose tie was postponed.

PAUL CARTER

WESTERN LEAGUE

BUCKLAND ATHLETIC extended their winning run to 14 games in all competitions with a 3-1 win at Hallen.

Hallen, who sit bottom of the league, breathed life into their survival hopes last week with a commanding home win and they took the lead at the promotion chasers with a 14th-minute header from Danny Webb.

But it only took Buckland just seven minutes to respond, with defender Liam Drew drawing the sides level. Just after the half-hour mark, Buckland’s keeper Grant Fisher saved a Tom Collett spot kick and that proved vital as the Devon side claimed the win with goals from Jared Lewington and Simon Laughton.

Bristol Manor Farm continue to set the pace, as goals from Ben Bament, Dean Stamp and Troy Simpson helped them to a 3-0 win over Bridport.

Street are also in fine form, and Ross McErlain and Lewis Waldy goals saw them beat Bitton 2-1, while Willand Rovers beat Gillingham Town 1-0.

Melksham Town’s home dominance continued as Gary Higdon and Sam Jordan each scored braces in a 6-0 win over ten-man Clevedon Town, Brislington won 2-0 at Wells City and Shepton Mallet and Odd Down drew 0-0.

Karim Rendall scored two for the second straight week, in Bradford Town’s 5-0 won at Chipping Sodbury Town, Longwell Green Sports beat Cadbury Heath 2-0 and Sherborne Town against Cribbs ended 2-2.

TOM HISCOTT

WESSEX LEAGUE

ALRESFORD TOWN came from behind to win 2-1 at home to AFC Portchester on a bitterly cold afternoon in East Hampshire.

AFC Portchester, managed by former Portsmouth boss Graham Rix, could have taken the lead in the first-half but had a goal disallowed for offside.

They eventually did take the lead at the start of the second half, from the penalty spot following a foul by Chris Mason. Steve Ramsey converted.

But the lead was shortlived as Alresford drew level through Tom Sands. The hosts then took control and there was a sense of inevitability about the winner, which came through Sam Burt.

It looked for a long time like it was going to be a frustrating afternoon for leaders Moneyfields at Bashley, as they went into the break 0-0 at The Recreation Ground.

However, five minutes after half-time ad Moneyfields did break through, as former AFC Bournemouth youngster Steve Hutchings, found the target.

Lee Wort was on target after 13 minutes for Sholing as they took control of their game at home to Verwood Town.

The visitors drew level when Andrew Fisk equalised 20 minutes later. Sholing restored their lead midway through the second half as Luke Dempsey scored and the win was sealed five minutes later when central defender Dan Miller made it three. MATT RICHBELL