Brakes see both sides of Law in draw
LEAMINGTON claimed a useful point on the road, drawing 1-1 at National League North promotion hopefuls Darlington.
The visitors opened the scoring through an own goal midway through the first half when a goalmouth scramble resulted in Jake Lawlor turning the ball into his own net.
The Brakes were inches away from doubling their lead before half-time only for Rackeem Reid’s effort to be headed off the line and the hosts drew level just after the hour mark when Lawlor redeemed himself by turning in a corner.
Bedworth United also shared the spoils as they drew 2-2 at Northern Premier Midland Division high-fliers Spalding United.
Goals from Curvin Ellis and Desean Martin twice had the Greenbacks in front only for Elliot Sandy and Nathan Stainfield to haul the home side level, the latter deep in added on time.
Stratford Town lost 2-1 at Barwell in the Southern League Premier Central in spite of a wonder goal from Andre Wright and league rivals Nuneaton Borough crashed out of the FA Trophy, losing 2-1 at home to Alvechurch who had already dumped them out of the FA Cup. Kane Richards was on target for Boro who had a Luke Benbow penalty chalked off.
There was also cup disappointment for UCL South pair Coventry United and Coventry Sphinx who both exited the league cup. United lost 3-2 at Deeping Rangers and Sphinx lost 4-2 on penalties at home to Sleaford Town after the sides drew 2-2.
With their nearest challengers involved in the cup, Rugby Town took advantage top open up a four-point lead at the top after cruising to a 4-0 victory over Butlin Road visitors GNG Oadby Town. David Kolodynski struck a goal in each half with substitutes Edwin Ahenkorah and Ryan Seal adding to the tally.
In the MFL Premier, Racing Club Warwick suffered a 4-1 defeat at Tividale where Hanibal Salami netted a late consolation but it was better news for Atherstone Town who stormed to a thrilling 5-3 win at home to Studley. Louis Baker scored a brace with the others coming from Mitch Piggon, Mason Platts and Perry Cotton.