Deduction but Sports are in the play-offs

MICKLEOVER’S appeal against a 12-point deduction was thrown out but a 3-0 win at home to Stamford on the last day of the regular SPL Premier Central season sees them reach the play-offs anyway.

Sports will visit AFC Telford in the semi-final on Wednesday night.

On Saturday, they took a seventh-minute lead through Marcus Barnes, who turned and shot from the edge of the box on a pass from Dan Bradley.

Will Trueman made it two after 63 minutes, arriving unmarked to turn the ball in after good work from Ben Sault and Tyrell Waite.

Seven minutes later, Rhus Dolan picked out Sault to score the third and ensure Mickleover would extend their season.

MATLOCK Town ended a difficult NPL Premier Division season with a 5-2 win at home to Bradford Park Avenue in front of a healthy 802 crowd.

Ollie Clark and Johnny Johnston had them 2-0 up at the break and Liam Hardy (64) and Johnston again (67) had them cruising before Bradford pulled two back.

Johnston completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after 80 minutes.

In the same division, Ilkeston Town completed their season with a 2-0 defeat away to play-off bound Warrington Rylands.

The disappointing end to Belper Town’s season in the NPL East Division was completed with a 4-0 home defeat to Stockton Town, who have finished second in the table.

The Nailers lost five of their last six matches to finish five points outside the play-off places, having looked certain to be involved in them halfway through the campaign.

Alfreton Town’s Vanarama North season had ended in play-off heartbreak in midweek, beaten at home on penalties by Boston United after a 0-0 draw in their eliminator.

Boston won the shoot-out 5-4. In the NPL Midlands Division, Gresley Rovers’ relegation was confirmed despite a 2-1 last-day win away to Corby Town.

Relegation rivals AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Rugby Town also won.