STEP 5 ROUND-UPS

NORTHERN LEAGUE

MORPETH TOWN earned another three points, on a day Wembleybound South Shields moved a step closer to the title.

The third-placed side recovered from a goal down to win 3-1 at Seaham Red Star, with Keith Graydon scoring two, including one from the spot, and Ben Sayer also on target.

Chris Winn, meanwhile, cancelled out Billy Greulich-Smith’s superb chip as Jarrow Roofing held Shildon to a 1-1 draw.

At the bottom, Steve Roberts’ solo effort handed Guisborough Town a fourth straight win as they beat troubled West Allotment Celtic 1-0.

Newton Aycliffe were 3-1 winners at home to Ryhope CW, while Bishop Auckland and Dunston UTS ended 1-1.

Kyle Patton netted an 11th-minute hat-trick as Whitley Bay eased past West Auckland 4-0, with Glen Ravenhill also netting his first goal for the hosts.

Consett battled to a hard-earned 5-3 win at home to Newcastle Benfield and Washington beat Ashington 4-2.

Michael Sweet netted a brace for Consett, with Dan Hawkins and Danny Craggs also on target for the Steelmen as they traded the lead with the visitors.

Struggling Chester-le-Street lost 3-1 at home to Penrith and Marske United beat Sunderland RCA 3-2.

PAUL REECE

NORTH WEST COUNTIES

RUNCORN LINNETS and Town were the only sides in the top four in action, and they both recorded wins to maintain their title hopes and close the gap on Atherton Collieries.

The Linnets were convincing 3-0 winners at AFC Darwen, where Stuart Wellstead led the way with two in nine minutes midway through the second half. Zach Aley also got on the scoresheet for the visitors.

Runcorn Town had to battle their way to a 1-0 win at Winsford United the game’s only goal coming from Simon Thelwell on 27 minutes.

Padiham were another side to enjoy an away day as they returned from Hanley Town with a 3-0 win.

Patrick O’Brien and James Dean were on target before the break, with Kieron Pickup rounding things off in the second half.

Tom Keelings scored a late equaliser for Nelson in their 2-2 draw with Cammell Laird 1907 and it was a similar tale at Squires Gate, where Connor Smith rescued a point for the home side in their 1-1 draw with Congleton Town.

Ashton Athletic were 2-1 winners at Irlam, while Barnton edged out visitors Barnoldswick Town by the same scoreline.

And in the day’s other game, Abbey Hey and 1876 Northwich shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

DAVID LAWRENCE

NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST

– CLEETHORPES TOWN smashed in ten goals for the second time this season as they blitzed Harrogate Railway Athletic 10-1.

Andy Taylor rounded off the scoring with a penalty for the league leaders to complete his hat-trick, while Liam Davis and Alex Flett each bagged a brace.

Gary King and Matt Coleman also netted in the rout, a third win on the spin in which the Owls have scored 20 goals.

Pickering Town remain hot on their heels just two points behind following a 3-1 win against Liversedge, with goals from Nick Thomspon, Sam Denton and George Bissett.

Super sub Brett Agnew scored twice in Bridlington Town’s 4-1 win at Worksop Town, which keeps them in third. Chris Adams and Jake Day were also on target.

Handsworth Parramore, in fourth, parted company with manager Mick Godber with a 4-1 win at Bottesford Town. The club confirmed Godber was stepping down after three-and-a-half years in charge. Alex Rippon weighed in with a brace while Aaron Moxam and Jack Macarthy also scored.

Nick Senior scored the only goal as Parkgate beat Staveley Miners Welfare for back to back wins which hauls them out of the bottom three.

AFC Mansfield were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Hemsworth Miners Welfare and Athersley Recreation also drew as they entertained Clipstone.

DAVID LAWRENCE

MIDLAND LEAGUE

ALVECHURCH edged closer to clinching the Premier Division title after sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Shepshed Dynamo at Lye Meadow.

As nearest rivals Coleshill Town lost 3-2 at home to Coventry Sphinx, the champagne is now on ice.

Dave Bellis gave the Church an 11thminute lead only for Matt Langham and Michael Reeve to hit back for the visitors, with Andy Parsons hauling the leaders level just before half-time.

Star striker Ryan Harkin did the damage to Coleshill – the Sphinx striker scoring all four of his side’s goals in a 4-3 win.

The visitors opened up a two-goal lead by the interval but the Colemen forced their way back into the game thanks to goals from Craig Milligan, Mykel Beckley and Reece Leek.

Quorn’s impressive run continued with a 2-1 win at Brocton, Liam Turner with the winner, while two goals fromm Joe Phillips helped Stourport Swifts to a 3-1 win at Boldmere St Michaels.

Rob Morgan bagged a brace as St Andrews ran out 4-2 winners at Coventry United and goals from Simon Williams and Jack Till gave Lye Town a 2-1 victory over fellow high-fliers Westfields.

Romario Martin hit a hat-trick to help Highgate United to a 4-2 victory at home to Shawbury United and Sporting Khalsa were also convincing winners as they eased past Tividale 3-0.

Elsewhere, Walsall Wood and Heanor Town chalked up wins, against Long Eaton United and Loughborough University respectively, while AFC Wulfrunians drew 0-0 at Rocester.

DAVID LAWRENCE

ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE

BARKING clinched the title in style with a resounding 5-0 victory at Burnham Ramblers.

It is the third title in the Blues’ long history, having won the Athenian League in the 1930s and the Isthmian League in 1979. They also have set club records for most points in a season, most wins and most goals scored.

Yesterday Petrit Elbi bagged a hattrick and Billy Rix and Joe Pearman got the other two goals.

The bottom of the table is now also decided as Haringey & Waltham ended their season with a 5-2 defeat at home to Sporting Bengal United on Thursday.

Sporting Bengal were back in action yesterday at West Essex and lost 4-1.

West Essex were outstripped by two teams who hit their opponents for six.

Second-placed Clapton conceded twice to Enfield 1893 but got doubles from Eamon Payne and Nathan Cook as well as other goals from Jerry Jiarette and Johnny Ashman. The Ton were 4-0 up within just 28 minutes.

London Bari won 6-1 at Tower Hamlets, scoring five in the last 28 minutes including a double for Hassan Malbant.

FC Romania stay third after Ile Vasile and Toby Cleaver scored in the first half to beat Eton Manor, while Gavin Cockman bagged a double for Sawbridgeworth Town as they leapfrogged Southend Manor with a 2-0 win there.

The other two games finished 1-0. Ryan Ramsey scored for Ilford against Stansted and Robert Clarke scored for Wadham Lodge against Takeley.

DAVID BALLHEIMER

EASTERN COUNTIES

FELIXSTOWE & WALTON UNITED saw their title hopes all but ended after a demoralising 1-0 defeat at home to Godmanchester Rovers.

The result leaves them in second, nine points behind leaders Mildenhall Town, who were not involved in league action at the weekend, with just four games left to play.

Third-placed Newmarket Town are now just one point behind Felixstowe after a crushing 10-1 away win against struggling Wivenhoe Town.

Lewis Whitehead and Austin Diaper both struck hat-tricks for the visitors and the result sees Wivenhoe stay in the drop zone, three points adrift of safety.

Relegation-threatened FC Clacton lost 3-0 at home to Walsham-le-Willows and Sean Gunn grabbed a brace as Brantham Athletic recorded a comfortable 4-2 home win against bottom side Swaffham Town.

Alex Theobald scored both of Ely City’s goals in a 2-1 home victory over Great Yarmouth Town and there was a 2-1 away success for Stanway Rovers against Fakenham Town.

Jordan Palmer struck twice for Haverhill Rovers as they recorded a fine 3-0 home win against Kirkley & Pakefield and fourth-placed Gorleston suffered a 3-0 defeat at Ipswich Wanderers.

And Thetford Town remain fifth after Robbie Priddle’s second-half equaliser secured them a 1-1 draw at Saffron Walden Town. RORY HAYWARD

SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS

LONDON COLNEY are just two wins away from being crowned champions after a 1-1 draw at home to nearest rivals Hertford Town.

Ollie Sharman headed in Matt Thomson’s early free kick to give the visitors the lead but Colney were level before the break and the game ended all-square.

Cockfosters won 2-0 at Holmer Green to maintain their grip on third – the win coming courtesy of goals from Emmanuel Melford-Rowe and De’Jaune Taylor-Crossdale.

FC Broxbourne Borough’s third successive loss confirms they will finish the season in the bottom two. The 2-1 loss came at the hands of Berkhamsted, for whom Ash Lewis and Tom Carter were on target.

There were two other key relegation battles this weekend. Hadley remain second-bottom after they lost 5-2 at Edgware Town, who recorded their tenth win of the season to all but end their own relegation fears, and Colney Heath recorded an equally important win as they beat fellow strugglers London Tigers 2-0, thanks to goals from Adam Lawton and Jamie Eames.

Tring Atheltic lost 3-1 at home to Hoddesdon Town, Stotfold lost 2-1 at home to Sun Sports and Welwyn Garden City continued their fine run of form as they beat Crawley Green 5-0.

CHRIS MITCHELL

COMBINED COUNTIES

HARTLEY WINTNEY underlined their class with another win yesterday, celebrating last week’s league title with a 1-0 win at Guildford City.

After the elation of last Saturday, The Row recorded their 33rd league win from 41 games.

Ian Jones was the match-winner, slotting the ball into the bottom corner from just inside the area on 83 minutes.

Westfield, who trail the champions by a remarkable 24 points, fought back to beat Sutton Common Rovers 4-1.

Matt Auletta had given the visitors a fifth-minute lead, but Max Blackmore headed home a 34th minute equaliser and made it 2-1 after 38 minutes. James Cottee extended the lead on 43 minutes and hat-trick hero Blackmore sealed success after 50 minutes.

Walton & Hersham climbed a place to third thanks to a 2-0 home win over Camberley Town, who remain sixth.

Hosts Hanworth Villa fell to fourth after a surprise 2-0 defeat to Bedfont Sports, while fifth-placed Epsom & Ewell won 2-1 at Knaphill, thanks to Matt Farrell and a spectacular first goal for Salts from Adam Heagney.

Horley Town returned to seventh with a 1-0 success at Farnham Town – Kyle Hough with a 90th-minute winner.

Abbey Rangers crashed 4-1 to lowly visitors Colliers Wood United, who climbed three places, while hosts Spelthorne Sports beat Chertsey Town 2-1.

North Greenford United drew 1-1 at second-bottom Raynes Park Vale, while Windsor won 3-1 at third-bottom Badshot Lea and struggling CB Hounslow United lost 3-0 to basement boys visitors Bedfont & Feltham.

DAVID GROVES SOUTHERN COMBINATION ■ SHOREHAM retained their twopoint lead at the top with an easy 3-0 away win against Newhaven.

Luke Donaldson, Joe Shelley and Kieran Pamment were all on target for the league leaders.

Trevor McCreadie struck a dramatic 89th-minute winner for second-placed Haywards Heath Town as they kept pace with Shoreham thanks to a 3-2 win at Littlehampton Town.

Lorenzo Dolcetti was the hat-trick hero for third-placed Chichester City, who remain five points behind Shoreham after a 3-1 away success at Horsham YMCA.

At the opposite end of the table, Asa Nicholson netted twice for Arundel as they climbed out of the relegation places with a 3-0 home win against Eastbourne United AFC.

AFC Uckfield Town replaced Arundel in the drop zone after suffering a heavy 6-0 loss at Loxwood and bottom side Hailsham Town were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Broadbridge Heath.

Jason Taylor grabbed a brace as Eastbourne Town climbed to fifth after a 4-0 home win against struggling Wick and fourth-placed Pagham lost 2-0 at home to Crawley Down Gatwick.

In the day's other two games, Liam Benson scored twice for Hassocks in a 4-1 home victory over Worthing United and the match between Lancing and Peacehaven & Telscombe finished in a 3-3 draw. RORY HAYWARD HELLENIC LEAGUE ■ BRACKNELL TOWN saw their title hopes crash agonisingly at the final hurdle on Grand National day.

Robins were beaten 2-1 at Larges Lane by sixth-placed Highworth Town, in front a bumper 703-strong crowd, while Thame United capitalised ruthlessly, annihilating basement boys Henley Town 9-0 at The Triangle Ground to take the title in sensational style.

It means Thame celebrate promotion to the Southern League instead of Robins, who went into their final fixture level on points with Thames but with a seven-goal superior goal difference.

Bracknell Town seemed nervous from the kick-off, especially as they were missing their midfield driving force of Jamie McClurg and captain Carl Davies, both serving suspensions.

Robins took the lead as a corner found its way to the far post where midfielder George Short netted from close range after 33 minutes.

A poor clearance let in Aaron Ferris to equalise in the 52nd minute and the visitors produced the shock winner on 86 minutes – Ferris again the scorer after keeper Chris Grace had punched out a high lob under his crossbar from Aysa Corrick’s effort.

Meanwhile, goal machine Lynton Goss grabbed a stunning six for Thame to seal the title at Henley Town.

Ben Connelly had set the ball rolling after only one minute, while Dan West and Tom Ashworth also netted within the first 20 minutes.

Elsewhere, Ardley United still fill fifth after a thrilling 4-3 win at Longlevens AFC, hosts Brimscombe & Thrupp lost 3-2 to Ascot United and Lydney Town beat visitors Brackley Town Saints by the same score.

DAVID GROVES SOUTHERN COUNTIES EAST ■ CROWBOROUGH ATHLETIC closed the gap on leaders Ashford United to three points with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Erith & Belvedere.

The Crows also have a game in hand on the leaders, who were without a fixture ahead of today’s Kent Senior Trophy Final against Cray Valley.

Jason Barton scored the only goal of the game, a 38th minute penalty, just a minute after Ross Treleaven had seen his effort ruled out. To add to the Deres’ woes they had Nad Nwitua sent off late on for a second yellow card.

Deal Town made it ten goals in two games as they beat Croydon 5-2 on the Kent coast.

Having made the league’s longest trip, the visitors took an early lead through Jeff Duah-Kessis but Harry Anderson levelled in the 17th minute.

Dan Adams then slotted home from the spot before Dan Walsh made it 3-1 at the break.

Lauris Chin reduced the arrears but Joe Reeves and Ryan Philpott scored to give Deal a comfortable win.

Ryan Dolby scored twice as bottom side Beckenham Town won 3-0 at Erith Town, while Lordswood moved out of the relegation places with a 2-1 win at Tunbridge Wells.

Constantine Scarlet scored the only goal as Bearsted won at Canterbury City and AFC Croydon Athletic and Corinthian both enjoyed away wins.

PAUL CARTER WESTERN LEAGUE ■ STREET fought back from two goals down to defeat Melksham Town 3-2 at the Oakfield Stadium, in a battle between two of the top three.

The hosts, who have enjoyed some great wins since moving to their new home, were 2-0 up at the break thanks to an own goal and Gary Higdon’s 31st of the campaign.

It then turned in Street’s favour after a straight red for Lee Davidson, with Ross McErlain and Ben Robertson both heading home from set pieces to level things up before Dale Hunt completed the turnaround late on.

At the top, Bristol Manor Farm are now just two points from promotion after Dean Stamp hit a hat-trick in their 4-2 win at Wells City.

Buckland Athletic got back to winning ways, Jared Lewington scoring two in their 3-2 win over Cadbury Heath.

Lewington put Buckland ahead on two occasions only to see the hosts draw level, with Richard Groves scoring the winner from long range late on.

Alex Monks and Dan Cottle each netted two in Bradford Town’s 5-0 home win over basement side Sherborne Town, while Willand Rovers drew 1-1 with Bitton.

Odd Down extended their winning run to three matches after defeating Chipping Sodbury Town 4-0, with Kye Simpson scoring early on, before Ben Wych, Josh Keen and Richard Dawley added goals after the break.

Longwell Green Sports beat Brislington 3-2 while Cribbs and Gillingham Town ended 0-0.

TOM HISCOTT WESSEX LEAGUE ■ BASHLEY revelled in the sunshine as they ran out comfortable 4-0 winners at struggling Verwood Town.

The Bash started brightly and goals from Hugh Dathan, Harry McGrath and Dan Munday put Tom Prodomo’s side 3-0 up at the break. A further goal in the second half sealed the win.

Departing Bemerton Heath Harlequins manager Graham Kemp saw his side lose 1-0 at Team Solent. A late Matt Sheedy goal was enough to earn The Students the three points. Horndean produced a solid display as they battled to a hard-fought 1-0 win at home to Bournemouth Poppies, courtesy of a Mark Smith effort.

Brockenhurst returned from the short trip across the New Forest with a 1-0 victory at Blackfield & Langley.

John Cole rescued a point for Alresford Town with a late leveller as they drew 1-1 at Fareham Town.

The Creeksiders took the lead and appeared to be heading for all three points until Cole’s 82nd-minute goal salvaged a point. MATT RICHBELL STEP 6 ROUND-UPS SOUTH WEST PENINSULA ■ TAVISTOCK took a greater stranglehold on the league, annihilating hapless visitors Helston Athletic 10-1.

Glyn Hobbs hit a phenomenal five, Jack Crago hit a hat-trick and Josh Grant and Luke Brown also weighed in.

Tavistock’s lead stays five points over Saltash United, with both clubs having four league fixtures left to play.

The Ashes kept up their title push, thrashing second-bottom visitors Newquay 7-0, while third-placed Plymouth Argyle Reserves suffered a 3-0 loss at Bodmin Town, who climbed to fourth.

Plymouth Parkway stay sixth after a 0-0 draw at Launceston, following the dismissal of Launceston’s Josh McCabe.

Hosts Exmouth Town beat Camelford 4-2 and Cullompton Rangers lost 3-0 at Torpoint Athletic, with the kickoffs of both delayed due travel chaos.

And Falmouth Town lost 2-0 to lowly visitors Ivybridge Town.

DAVID GROVES EAST MIDLANDS ■ DAVE ERENTZ and Jamie Spiers helped runaway leaders West Bridgford to a 2-1 win against Blaby & Whetstone, extending their unbeaten run to 13 matches.

Adam Dring bagged a fantastic five as Belper United battered bottom club Ellistown & Ibstock United 9-1. Ben Stockley also scored a hat-trick.

Dunkirk continued their fine run with a 3-1 defeat of Arnold. Stephen Chaplin bagged two and Lewis Wilcox the other.

A neat backheel from Dan Agar set Barrow on course for a 2-1 win at Stapenhill, with Ben Law netting the winner.

Kimberley Miners Welfare fought back to win 2-1 at Radcliffe Olympic, with Martin Lench and Scott Bailey on target, while Danny Quinn’s goal was enough to earn the points for Ashby Ivanhoe against Holwell Sports.

Aylestone Park missed the chance to move into third after losing 3-1 at Radford Town, while Borrowash Victoria drew 1-1 with Holbrook Sports.

NAT SYLVESTER WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL ■ CHAMPIONS-ELECT Haughmond were brought crashing back down to earth as they were blitzed 5-0 by third-placed Malvern Town.

Goals from Nathan Hayward and Lewis Platt put Malvern 2-0 ahead by half time before Haughhmond had David Howells sent off.

Malvern capitalised, as Harry Wickett added a third before Dave Reynolds hit two, taking his season’s total to 44.

Wolves Sporting Community stay second thanks to a 1-0 win at Bilston Town, thanks to Ryan Bradshaw.

Wolves Casuals remain in the hunt for second as they came from behind to beat Dudley Town 5-2.

Dudley Town drop into the bottom three after local rivals Dudley Sports climbed above them on goal difference with a 2-2 draw against Shifnal Town.

Second-bottom Wellington Amateurs are now seven points adrift of safety after a 4-0 loss to Bewdley Town.

And Gornal Athletic drew 1-1 at home to Stone Old Alleynians – but remain destined for relegation

NICK PULLEN