STEP 5 ROUND-UPS STEP 6 ROUND-UPS

NORTHERN LEAGUE

SUNDERLAND RCA enjoyed the result of the day as they obliterated a sorry Washington 10-1 with six second-half goals.

Stephan Callen, Michael Charlton and John Butler all scored braces to ensure the Mechanics’ dismal run without a point continues.

South Shields beat Bishop Auckland – a single Michael Richardson goal the difference as the Mariners made it a staggering 29 wins in a row.

Paul Brayson notched his 50th goal of the season, with Dylan McEvoy adding a second, as Newcastle Benfield came from behind to defeat Jarrow Roofing 2-1.

At the bottom, Guisborough Town ran out 4-1 winners at Chester-leStreet in their fight to escape relegation.

Ashington defeated Seaham Red Star 4-1, as Ben Harmison, Andrew Bulford, Kyle Downey and Dale Pearson all got their names on the scoresheet.

Whitley Bay edged a predictably tight encounter with Consett – Thibault Charmey and Kyle Patton cancelling out Michael Sweet’s goal.

And a late Dale Burrell goal for Dunston UTS ensured a share of the points in a 2-2 draw at Ryhope CW.

MATTY HEWITT

NORTH WEST COUNTIES

THE TITLE RACE hotted up as Runcorn Linnets edged out Atherton Collieries 1-0 to lead the way going into the final month of the season.

Mark Houghton scored the only goal of the game three minutes into the second half, making the most of a defensive mix-up to roll the ball home into an empty net.

And it finished all-square in the other game involving fellow high-fliers 1874 Northwich and Bootle.

Sam Hare handed the hosts a 51stminute lead but Bootle grabbed a vital point when Liam Loughlin converted a penalty five minutes from time.

Runcorn Town maintained their slim title ambitions with a narrow 1-0 win at home to Nelson – Simon Thelwell on target midway through the second half.

Barnoldswick Town staged a dramatic fightback to beat visitors Hanley Town 2-1.

Josh Thorpe had given the Potteries outfit a 65th-minute lead but two goals in the final nine minutes from Mark Threlfall and Andrew Hill ensured the points stayed in Lancashire.

Padiham eased to a 4-2 win at home to New Mills, while Ashton Athletic were 1-0 winners at Congleton Town.

Jordan Icely scored a goal in each half for Irlam as they beat Barnton 2-1 – Chris Smith on target for the visitors.

And the games at AFC Darwen and Cammell Laird 1907 were postponed.

DAVID LAWRENCE

NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST

CLEETHORPES TOWN remain on course to clinch the title following a convincing 4-2 win over Liversedge.

The Owls were in rampant mood, with Liam Davies, Jonathan Oglesby, Peter Winn and Andrew Taylor all on target.

Barton Town Old Boys clinched a vital 2-1 victory over Bridlington Town in their battle to beat relegation. William Waudby and Gary Bradshaw’s goals sealed the points despite a late Joel Sutton consolation goal.

Parkgate are now four points from safety after a 1-1 draw at Armthorpe Welfare. Alex Lill scored on 56 minutes for the relegation-threatened side, only for Jack Waldron to equalise with 12 minutes remaining.

AFC Mansfield secured a 2-1 win over Garforth Town thanks to a Phil Buxton winner three minutes from time.

Tom Copping netted a late leveller for Athersley Recreation as they held Hemsworth Miners Welfare to a 3-3 draw.

Pickering Town held out for a 1-0 win at Handsworth Parramore thanks to a 15th-minute Samuel Denton winner.

Stephen Bromley netted a last-gasp winner as Harrogate Railway Athletic triumphed against Clipstone.

Matthew Harris and Declan Brewin netted for Rainworth Miners Welfare defeated Worksop Town 2-0.

Bottesford Town required a 78thminute Wayne Graves winner to beat basement side Retford Athletic 1-0 and Staveley Miners Welfare beat Thackley by the same scoreline.

BEN GODDARD

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

PETERBOROUGH SPORTS now need only a point to make sure of the championship after a 3-2 win at Leicester Nirvana, which came thanks to second-half goals by Stuart Eason, Josh Moreman and Ollie Medwynter, who netted the 90th-minute winner.

Michael Frew was on target twice, including a 91st-minute winner, and Sam Murphy also found the net for Wisbech Town, as the Fenmen beat visitors Newport Pagnell Town 3-2.

Tom Siddons hit a hat-trick for Sleaford Town in a 4-1 win at Oadby Town – Ryan Rushen grabbing the other.

There were two goals each for Tom Waumsley and Scott Coupland, both penalties, as Deeping Rangers won 4-0 at Rothwell Corinthians to consolidate their second place.

Eynesbury Rovers lost 3-0 at home to Holbeach United, who had Stacy Cartwright sent off for a dangerous tackle. Two goals from Charley Sanders including a penalty and one from Spencer Tinkler ensured the victory for the visiting side

Phil Stebbing grabbed both goals as Yaxley saw off visitors Northampton Sileby Rangers 2-1.

Second-bottom Harrowby United lost 3-0 at home to Peterborough Northern Star, who scored through Matt Barber, Jake Sansby and Jake Mason.

Wellingborough Town’s 1-0 win at lowly Boston Town, courtesy of Adam Speight’s strike, means the Doughboys have now gone five games without conceding a goal.

Barnes Gladman was denied a hattrick for Harborough Town against relegated Huntingdon Town as he missed a penalty, the hosts settling for a 2-0 win, while Cogenhoe United and Desborough Town drew 1-1.

ROBIN JONES

MIDLAND LEAGUE

THERE appears to be no stopping Alvechurch as they opened up an eight-point lead at the top with a 1-0 win at Sporting Khalsa.

In a game of few chances, Danny Dubidat scored the all-important goal with a 52nd-minute bullet header.

Nearest challengers Coleshill Town slipped up as they were held to a 0-0 draw at AFC Wulfrunians and it was the same score at St Andrews where Rocester were the visitors,

Two goals from Romario Martin helped Highgate United to a 4-1 win at Walsall Wood and Elliott Reeves bagged a double for Heanor Town as they won at Tividale by the same margin.

There was a goal-fest at Shepshed Dynamo, where visitors Westfields claimed a 5-4 win helped by an Aidan Thomas double.

And there was no shortage elsewhere, with Ryan Harkin’s hat-trick helping Coventry Sphinx to a 4-1 win over Long Eaton United, while James Hicks and Dan Dale bagged two apiece in Quorn’s 4-3 win over Stourport Swifts.

Shawbury United drew 1-1 with visitors Coventry United and Lye Town won 3-2 at Boldmere St Michaels, where Ben Billingham netted two late on.

The day’s other game saw Brocton beat Loughborough University 4-2 – the experienced Paul McMahon sealing the victory for the visitors deep in injury time. DAVID LAWRENCE

ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE

BARKING will have to wait another week before clinching the title after being held to a 0-0 draw at Stansted.

Only Clapton can deny Barking their first title since winning the Isthmian League in 1979, but they must win their last three games and turn around a goal difference of 44 goals.

Blues Secretary Keith Whittington said: “We still have plenty of time to get the points we need.”

Rob Hatton produced an excellent save for Barking midway through the first half and the best chance for Barking came just before half-time when the ball fell to James Peagram, but he was denied by a top save from Raj Shergill.

Clapton kept up their faint title hopes with 1–0 win at Haringey & Waltham – Aundre Spencer with the goal.

FC Romania kept up the pressure on the Ton with a 4–1 win at Tower Hamlets. Andrei Pavel netted two and the Cleaver brothers, Tobi and Oliver, got the other two.

Takeley were the day’s top scorers, beating Burnham Ramblers 5–1. Jason Todd scored early and Charlie Cole late while Reece Burnett bagged a hat-trick. Charlee Hughes had made it 2–1.

Waltham Forest scored four in the last quarter to beat Enfield 1893 and Basildon came from behind to win 3–2 at Eton Manor. Daniel Chambers and Joshua Sykes both gave Manor the lead, but Yaw Danso and Jamie Oliver levelled, the latter after 85 minutes. Two minutes later, Reece Tranter bagged the winner.

Ilford won 3–0 at home to Sporting Bengal United, while West Essex and Wadham Lodge drew 0–0.

DAVID BALLHEIMER

EASTERN COUNTIES

FELIXSTOWE & WALTON UNITED are now six points behind leaders Mildenhall Town with five games left to play after a comfortable 3-0 home win against Kirkley & Pakefield.

With Mildenhall not involved in league action this weekend, Felixstowe closed the gap with help from a Craig Jennings brace.

Austin Diaper netted twice for thirdplaced Newmarket Town as they ran out 5-3 winners at home to Haverhill Rovers. Lewis Whitehead, Jamie Thurlbourne and Deakan Napier were also on target for the home side.

Fourth-placed Gorleston suffered a 2-1 defeat at Godmanchester Rovers and Cameron King struck a hat-trick for fifth-placed Thetford Town as they beat struggling Hadleigh United 5-2 at home.

Wivenhoe Town remain three points adrift of safety after losing 3-1 at Ely City. Spencer Saberton, Sam Reed and Luke Mansfield were the hosts’ scorers.

Nick Castellan struck twice for bottom club Swaffham Town in a 2-0 away success against Stanway Rovers and Walsham-le-Willows were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Great Yarmouth Town.

And Ashley Jarvis netted two goals for Fakenham Town with Josh Youngs, Shane Akers and Joel Glover also on the scoresheet as they secured a 5-2 home win over Saffron Walden Town.

RORY HAYWARD

SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS

LONDON COLNEY still need three wins from their last five games to wrap up the title after a 2-1 defeat at Biggleswade United.

Simen Stamsø-Møller fired the hosts in front in the 33rd minute but Ash Morrissey’s volley levelled matters soon after. However, United claimed an impressive win in the 68th-minute as Kevin Owusu rounded off an excellent team move.

Cockfosters saw their chances of finishing second diminish somewhat as they lost 2-1 at home to St Margaretsbury. Bobby Sears had given the hosts a 24th-minute lead but Saints, who ended the game with ten men, turned things round with goals from Michael McKenzie and Harley Haag.

The bottom two met at Brickfield Lane where hosts Hadley beat FC Broxbourne Borough 2-1. Connor Bolton and Laste Dombaxe were the men on target to earn Hadley the win, which leaves them four points from safety with games in hand on their rivals.

Wembley stay fourth after they beat Welwyn Garden City 4-0 and Chris Vardy’s late goal earned fifth-placed Tring Athletic a 1-0 win at home to Colney Heath.

Elsewhere, Danny Jones’ free-kick earned Berkhamsted a 1-0 win at home to Edgware Town, Oxhey Jets beat Leverstock Green 2-1 and Daniel Bond was on target as Stotfold drew 2-2 at home to Holmer Green.

CHRIS MITCHELL

SOUTHERN COMBINATION

SHOREHAM saw their lead at the top cut to just two points after a 3-1 home loss in their top-of-the-table clash with Haywards Heath Town.

Trevor McCreadie, Jamie Weston and Melford Simpson were all on target.

Third-placed Chichester City’s title hopes were dealt a major blow as they lost 1-0 at Peacehaven & Telscombe. A dramatic 89th-minute Curtis Ford strike handed the hosts all three points.

At the bottom, Arundel remain three points adrift of safety after losing 1-0 away to Loxwood and Wick are also still in the drop zone after a 2-1 home defeat to Broadbridge Heath.

Dave Chan and Ross Markham were bottom side Hailsham Town’s scorers as they enjoyed just their second league win of the season, a 2-1 home victory against Littlehampton Town.

Josh Fuller and Matt Hards both netted for Worthing United as they beat struggling AFC Uckfield Town 2-0 at home and there was an impressive 5-3 home win for Hassocks over Lancing.

Eastbourne United AFC are up to fifth after a 2-1 home win against Crawley Down Gatwick, fourth-placed Pagham were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Newhaven and Horsham YMCA drew 2-2 at home to Eastbourne Town.

RORY HAYWARD

HELLENIC LEAGUE

A THRILLING title showdown looms next Saturday as new leaders Bracknell Town and second-placed Thame United play their last league fixtures of the season.

The top two are both on 81 points, with Robins enjoying a seven-goal superior goal difference, which could prove crucial as Thame visit basement boys Henley Town, who will also finish their season next weekend.

Bracknell won 2-1 at seventh-placed Brimscombe & Thrupp. Khalid Senussi put them ahead on 47 minutes only for Jack Smith to equalise for the hosts on 61 minutes. But TJ Bohane grabbed a vital 71st-minute winner.

Thame United were held to a 2-2 draw at midtable Lydney Town. Matt Johnston’s first-half brace had put the visitors in control, but the hosts stormed back in the second half thanks to goals from Pat Gibbs and Pete Macklin.

Flackwell Heath, Thatcham Town, Ardley United and Highworth Town were all without league fixtures.

Binfield ensured it was an April Fools’ Day to forget for visitors Henley Town, who were annihilated 9-0. Liam Ferdinand hit four, Brad Pagliaroli and Jake White both bagged braces and James Knight also netted.

Royal Wootton Bassett won 3-2 at Oxford City Nomads, hosts Tuffley Rovers beat Ascot United 1-0 thanks to Mark Pritchett’s 34th-minute winner and Longlevens AFC pipped lowly visitors Highmoor-Ibis 3-2.

DAVID GROVES

SOUTHERN COUNTIES EAST

ASHFORD UNITED took a giant step in the title race as they came from behind to beat title rivals Crowborough Athletic.

The 3-1 win leaves Ashford two points clear, although the Crows have a game in hand.

Ross Treleaven put the visitors ahead in the 19th minute but Rory Hill levelled seven minutes before the break. Ashford’s Shaun Welford missed a 64thminute spot kick but Hill grabbed his second four minutes later before completing his hat trick late on.

Sevenoaks Town missed a chance to make up ground on second spot as they were held 1-1 at Lordswood.

Charlie Plummer fired the Lords ahead in the first half before Tom Ripley levelled on the hour.

Deal Town were the day’s big winners as Charlie Walsh scored twice in a 5-1 win at Erith Town. Jack Paxman, Joe Reeves and Connor Coyne were also on target

Taylor McDonough and Jason Thompson scored as Cray Valley continued their good form with a 2-1 win over Corinthian. Oscar Housego scored a 72nd-minute consolation for the Hoops who had Jack Billings sent off late on.

Erith & Belvedere’s relegation worries continued as they were beaten 2-0 at home by AFC Croydon Athletic. The prolific Warren Mfula scored both for the Rams, including a first-half penalty.

Struggling Fisher held Canterbury to a 0-0 draw, Croydon beat Tunbridge Wells 2-0 and Sheppey United were 1-0 winners at Hollands & Blair.

PAUL CARTER

WESTERN LEAGUE

STREET handed Sherborne Town their 27th league defeat of the season with a 2-0 win at Raleigh Grove.

The visitors wasted a good chance ten minutes into the game when Steve Murray blazed over from close range. But they were soon ahead against the league’s leakiest defence as a strong effort from Craig Herrod 20 yards out cannoned back off the post and into the path of David O’Hare, who tapped the rebound home.

Sherborne, who are now five points from safety, would have equalised early in the second half but for a goalline clearance from Ross McErlain and they were made to pay for passing up that chance soon after, with Murray scoring Street’s second to wrap up the win.

Bridport made it seven points from their last three home fixtures with a 3-2 win at home to Longwell Green Sports, thanks to an own goal and strikes from Braeden Symes and Richard Hebbitch, which extends their lead over their visitors, in 17th, to seven points.

Brislington came from a goal down to defeat Chipping Sodbury Town 3-1 at home. The visitors held a one-goal lead at the break as they looked for their first win in four, with Joe White scoring his 14th league goal of the campaign. Brislington bossed the second half, however, and a Neikell Plummer brace and a James Batchelor effort assured them of victory.

Bitton moved up one spot to 18th, leapfrogging Hallen, after a 1-1 draw at Wells City. TOM HISCOTT

WESSEX LEAGUE

ALRESFORD TOWN produced a rousing second half as they came back from 2-0 down at home to win 3-2 against Whitchurch United.

Carl Bennett’s side started brightly, racing into a two-goal lead and seeming to be heading for the three points before the fightback started.

Tom Sands reduced the deficit and John Cole levelled the scores. The game appeared to be heading for a draw before Craig Harding bagged the winner.

Cowes Sports made the long journey to Portland United and left disappointed as they were thrashed 6-0, as the hosts maintained their fine recent form.

Sholing and Blackfield & Langley drew 1-1 in the Southampton derby at Portsmouth Road.

Jake Hoole supplied Lee Wort who put the Boatmen ahead on 23 minutes, but the Watersiders levelled after the break through Harry Jackson, to earn a hard-fought point.

Brockenhurst edged the New Forest derby with a tough 1-0 home win over Bashley, courtesy of Pat McManus’ first-half goal.

And in Division One, in-form Hamble Club beat Laverstock & Ford 2-0.

MATT RICHBELL

SOUTH WEST PENINSULA

Saltash United kept up the pressure on leaders Tavistock with a 6-1 success at basement boys St Blazey.

An own goal and efforts from Samuel Leary, Ryan Richards, Sam Hughes, Richard Maddison and Samuel Farrant earned their emphatic win, with Tornado Bello’s goal in vain for the hapless hosts.

Ashes climbed two places and trail Tavistock by only three points, with both teams having played 32.

Leaders Tavistock were held 1-1 by midtable visitors Falmouth Town, while non-playing Bodmin Town and Plymouth Argyle Reserves fell to third and fourth.

St Austell still fill fifth after a 4-1 home win against Torpoint Athletic

Third-bottom Witheridge lost 3-1 at second-bottom Newquay. Rob Knight headed home the visitors’ fifth-minute opener, only for efforts from Luke Weldhen, Teague Lobb and, on 89 minutes, Louis Price to turn the tables. Chris Brigg had saved Lobb’s early penalty.

GROVES

EAST MIDLANDSDAVID

TITLE FAVOURITES West Bridgford came from behind to win 3-1 against Arnold Town.

David Erentz, Carl Westcarr and Abou Sylla all scored on an afternoon where the top five teams all won.

Nearest challengers Birstall won 3-0 at home to bottom club Ellistown & Ibstock United, with Ethan Bibby, Tom Marriott and Dan Jelley all netting.

Aylestone Park were 3-0 winners at Gedling Miners Welfare, South Normanton Athletic beat Stapenhill 2-1 and Blaby & Whetstone put four past hosts Holbrook Sports.

In-form Dunkirk defeated top six Kimberley Miners Welfare 3-0 after goals from Kieren Kenton-Bradshaw, Tim Berridge and Adam Burton.

Anstey Nomads grabbed a vital point in a 3-3 draw with Radcliffe Olympic.

Borrowash Victoria put in a five-star performance against Howell Sports, Michael Fitzhugh netting two and Sacha Markelic and Mthabisi Mlauzi also on target, Radford beat Graham Street Prims 4-0, Belper United won 2-1 at Ashby Ivanhoe and Barrow Town and Greenwood Meadows drew 2-2.

NAT SYLVESTER

WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL

HAUGHMOND can wrap up the title on Tuesday when they travel to Wolves Sporting Community.

They crept closer to the crown with a 3-1 win over Pegasus Juniors, to stay 17 points clear of their rivals in second.

Steve Hole put them ahead in the second half and Sean Jones headed in a second, before Luke Griffiths pulled a goal back. Matt Fletcher sealed the win with a speculative long-range shot which deceived the Pegasus keeper.

Wolves Sporting kept the title race alive with a 4-2 triumph at rock bottom Gornal Athletic. New signing from Dudley Sports Stuart Hillman put them ahead before goals from Matt Vaughan, Jak Barnes and Dimitri Dunkley earned the win. Ben Berrows netted two for Gornal.

Malvern Town were involved in a 4-4 thriller with Wolves Casuals, as both press Wolves Sporting for second.

Smethwick Rangers pulled off a 2-1 win over Bilston Town, where new signing Bruno Semedo scored on his debut before Taimoor Hussain equalised and Ricky Hayer headed home a spectacular winner.