Mariners get a let-off

LEADERS South Shields unexpectedly slipped up at Whitby Town but their title rivals Lancaster City also fell to a late home defeat to Bamber Bridge.

The Mariners were undone by Alex White’s winner despite staging an exciting finale which saw Dillon Morse pull one back after Paul Blackett’s fifth-minute opener for Whitby.

However, second-placed Lancaster failed to take advantage as they crashed 3-2 at the Giant Axe.

They led 2-1 with two minutes left after goals from Bradley Carsley and Paul Dawson had sandwiched a Richard Allen effort.

Matthew Thompson then equalised to level up at 2-2 before Rowan Roache slotted in an injury-time penalty to complete an incredible turnaround.

Radcliffe and Stalybridge kept up their play-off hopes with 1-0 and 2-1 wins over Atherton Collieries and Hyde United respectively.

In the South East division, Leek Town capitalised on Stamford’s day off by beating Glossop North End 3-0 to move top of the league.

Two in the space of a minute from Robert Stevenson and William Reeves set them on their way before Tim Grice wrapped it up.

Carlton Town pulled off an impressive result at their promotion rivals Ilkeston Town, winning 4-2 while third-placed Belper Town could only draw 1-1 with Sheffield FC.

Wisbech Town moved off the bottom with a 3-0 win over Spalding United as Tiago Nassanculo scored twice and John Dean bagged the other.

Ramsbottom United, in third, issued a warning to the rest of the North West division with a 7-1 demolition of Mossley.

However, Workington stay top following their 4-1 win over Dunston – Conor Tinnian scoring twice – while Marine sit five points adrift in second after a brace each from Niall Cummins and Geroge Newell saw them comfortably see off City of Liverpool.