STEP 5 ROUND-UPS

NORTHERN LEAGUE

HEBBURN TOWN went top of the table after a 3-1 win over a depleted Ryhope Colliery Welfare in one of only four First Division games.

The Hornets initially found themselves a goal down thanks to James Ellis’ 48th minute opener, but they were level through Michael Richardson.

Striker Graeme Armstrong’s brace ensured maximum points, James Ellis replying for Ryhope.

Penrith earned their first point of the season in dramatic fashion, as an injury time strike from Jonny Murray secured a 3-3 draw with Ashington.

The game went back and forth with Connor Shields’ opener after 39 seconds being overturned by two first half goals from Ashington’s Glen Caygill.

Sam Norris’ 82nd-minute strike seemed to have won it for the vistors, but for Murray’s last-gasp equaliser.

Newton Aycliffe edged a tight encounter with Bishop Auckland, Aaron Ramsbottom’s goal proving enough for the hosts to secure the win.

North Shields picked up their first victory this term with a 3-2 success against Stockton Town.

Jack Cooper and Craig Spooner put the Robins two up at the break, before Stockton’s Michael Roberts halved the deficit to ensure a tense second half.

North Shields extended their lead through Gary Day in the 81st minute, before Roberts’ second strike which was not enough for the Anchors.

JACK McGRAGHAN

NORTH WEST COUNTIES

CHARNOCK RICHARD climbed into the top three thanks to an emphatic 5-1 win at Hanley Town.

Joe Noblet and Alex Ball gave them the perfect start with goals in the opening three minutes before Ashley Young took centre stage with goals either side of the break, the second from the penalty spot.

Carl Grimshaw rounded things off, while Hanley’s goal came from the evergreen Neville Thompson.

Silsden closed to within a point of leaders Runcorn Town thanks to a 4-2 victory over visitors Winsford United, Lee Sires netting twice in three minutes midway through the first half.

Kyle Hancock and Aaron Davis were also on target for Danny Forrest’s men.

Two goals from Liam O’Neill and a Chris Turner penalty helped Padiham to a 3-1 win at 1874 Northwich, for whom Jack Pritchard scored.

The only other league game in the top division saw an impressive fightback from Bootle at West Didsbury & Chorlton to draw 2-2.

Merizel Dos Santos and Saul Henderson had given the hosts a twogoal interval lead, but second half strikes from Carl Peers and Johnny Foy ensured it finished all square.

The pick of the Bank Holiday Monday games sees Silsden head to Charnock Richard, while leaders Runcorn take on Ashton Athletic.

DAVID LAWRENCE

NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST

HEMSWORTH climb up to fourth spot after two late goals secured a 4-2 victory over Harrogate Railway.

The hosts trailed to an early Josh Underwood strike, but goals from Nash Connolly and Andrew Higgins put them in front at the interval.

Harrogate equalised shortly after the restart and looked on course for a valuable point, but were denied by two goals in the space of a minute from Luke Danville and Bradley Dockerty.

In the only other league match, Barton claimed their first win of the season as they defeated Goole 3-1.

Daniel Chambers’ early goal was cancelled out by Oliver Smith, but a Tom Waudby penalty and last minute strike from Josh Tennant settled the match in Barton’s favour.

Goole last 3-0 to Maltby Main in midweek, who top the table on goal difference from Yorkshire Amateur, who won 3-2 against Handsworth Parramore.

The Ammers snatched a dramatic victory when Ashley Flynn, the division’s top scorer, popped up with a last-minute winner.

Away from the league, Bridlington’s veteran keeper Jody Barford is set to swap his gloves for a pair of running shoes as he takes part in the Great North Run to raise awareness of CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

Barford has run it before – posting a time of one hour and 28 minutes.

NAT SYLVESTER

UNITED COUNTIES

HOLBEACH UNITED had former Boston United player John Ford to thank for their opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Boston Town.

The Tigers were left without a game following their 3-2 dismissal from the FA Cup at the hands of Deeping Rangers, but the Poachers agreed to bring this league fixture forwards.

In the only game played in the Premier Division, Ford gave the visitors the lead before Spencer Tinkler made sure for Holbeach.

Rugby Town have been given a walkover in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Vase on September 1.

They were due to host West Midlands (Regional) League Division One outfit Team Dudley, who ended up not being accepted into the competition after the draw was made.

Desborough Town have signed a deal with a local hotel to rename their Waterworks Field ground for the next three seasons. It will be named The R Inn Stadium, after the establishment formerly known as The Ritz.

Cogenhoe United were on the wrong end of a unforgettable giant killing feat when they were dismissed from the UCL Knockout Cup 6-1 at Division One outfit Rushden & Higham United on Wednesday.

Jory Mann hit a hat-trick, including two penalties, for the underdogs, with their other goals coming from Dave Townsend, Jamie Russell and substitute Callum Dench. ROBIN JONES

ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE

DAN CHAMBERS doubled up for Enfield FC as they beat Sawbridgeworth Town 2-1 at Barrows Farm in the weekend’s only match.

After a goalless first half, Chambers put the Es ahead 14 minutes into the second period.

The equaliser came five minutes later, with Lewis Roberts netting for the Robins.

With the game heading for a draw, Chambers hit his second goal three minutes from time to move Enfield up to ninth while Sawbridgeworth stay sixth.

Newcomers Stanway Rovers are at the foot of the table, with them yet to pick up a point in three matches.

Their secretary and manager Lee Fisher admitted it had been a hard introduction.

He said: “We had been in the Eastern Counties League for more than 20 years so moving to the Essex Senior League was a shock to the system.

“Everyone seems very friendly, but from being almost the most southern team, we are now the most northern.

“Because of this, although our travelling is less, we have had to put together a new squad and they are taking time to come together.

“I am sure we will soon get it right and move in the right direction, but it will take hard work.”

DAVID BALLHEIMER

EASTERN COUNTIES

■ STOWMARKET TOWN missed the chance to go top of the league after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Norwich United.

Sam Applegate struck a dramatic 94th-minute equaliser to deny secondplaced Stowmarket all three points after the home side had earlier taken the lead thanks to a 39th-minute Ace Howell goal.

Mac Gee scored the only goal of the game for Wroxham as they secured an impressive 1-0 home win against thirdplaced Walsham-le-Willows.

The result lifts Wroxham up five places to ninth, while defeat for Walsham sees them fail to go level on points with leaders Histon, who weren’t involved in league action.

Bottom side Framlingham Town’s miserable start to the season continued with a fifth straight league defeat as they lost 1-0 at Kirkley & Pakefield.

The newly-promoted side were denied their first Premier Division point in cruel fashion as Lewis Flower struck a 93rdminute winner for Kirkley.

Sam Reed’s first half goal was enough to hand Ely City a 1-0 home win against Gorleston.

The visitors missed a second half penalty and the result sees Ely climb up to fourth in the table. RORY HAYWARD

SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS

■ OXHEY JETS are the new Premier Division leaders as they drew 0-0 at

Leighton Town despite playing most of the second half with ten men.

Andy Brennan was dismissed in the 51st minute, but the Jets held out to claim a point. Ash Fuller’s superb hat-trick helped

Arlesey Town beat Potton United 3-1. Fuller’s first came when he took a quick free-kick and he then doubled his tally, holding off a defender before finishing well from ten yards.

United were then reduced to ten men after one of their centre halves received his marching orders and despite pulling one back, Fuller was on hand to complete his treble and earn Arlesey a third win of the season.

Tring Athletic remain in the top five after a 3-3 draw at home to London Tigers.

Mark Riddick headed in a ninth minute corner to give Tring the lead, before the Tigers scored twice in ten minutes to turn the game on its head.

Billie Busari then rattled the bar from 20 yards for the hosts, before he went one better 60 seconds later as he fired home the equaliser.

Ash Campbell scored from close range in the last minute of the first half, but the Tigers earned a point as they equalised early in the second period. CHRIS MITCHELL

COMBINED COUNTIES

■ CHERTSEY TOWN waited until stoppage time before snatching a dramatic winner over Southwell.

With what was one of only two games in the top flight taking place yesterday apparently heading for a goalless draw, David Taylor sidefooted the ball home for his first goal of the season to earn Chertsey a 1-0 victory.

Banstead Athletic saw off Badshot Lea 3-0 in Saturday’s other game. Michael Phillips-Ogbuogo hit the opener, scoring his first goal since joining Banstead.

Liam Hughes added a second, before Josh Stanningforth put the issue beyond doubt.

The victory leaves Banstead in second place behind Balham and unbeaten in their opening five games.

Four games have been moved from tomorrow’s Bank Holiday Monday programme to the following evening.

In the Premier Division, Balham v Colliers Wood United, Knaphill v Chertsey Town and Southall v Hanworth Villa have all been moved, along with Ash United v Frimley Green in Division One. The Division One game between

Bagshot and Eversley & California has been postponed because Fleet Spurs’ ground – where Bagshot now play – is unavailable as nobody was available to open the clubhouse. ROBIN JONES

SOUTHERN COMBINATION

■ LINGFIELD are up to sixth after running out 3-1 winners at bottom side Eastbourne United AFC.

Chris Ransome put the visitors ahead early on, but Luca Page quickly equalised for United.

Lingfield retook the lead with 12 minutes left through TJ Stead and Jake Horn added their third shortly after.

The defeat means Eastbourne United have now lost four of their opening five league games this season.

On Tuesday, Pagham went top with a crushing 7-1 victory at Loxwood.

Callum Overton struck four times with George Gaskin also netting twice as the new league leaders ran riot. Chichester City fell to second after being held to a goalless draw at home by Broadbridge Heath, as Newhaven climbed to fourth after Lee Robinson grabbed a brace in a comfortable 3-0 home win against Little Common. Philip Johnson struck twice for Hassocks as they picked up their first win of the new campaign with a 3-1 success at Arundel, while Crawley Down Gatwick secured a 3-2 home victory over Shoreham. AFC Uckfield Town were impressive 4-1 winners at Eastbourne United AFC with Matthew Black scoring twice. RORY HAYWARD

HELLENIC LEAGUE

■ READING CITY extended their cracking start to the league campaign with a 3-1 win at Tuffley Rovers.

City have now won all their opening four league games, their only defeat this season coming in the FA Cup.

Chris Manners gave the hosts a firsthalf lead with a close-range effort that was canceled out by Jamie Connor.

Adam Cashin Murray headed the visitors in front, before Harry Grant converted a late penalty after Mitch Parker had been brought down.

City keeper Eddie Cavanagh also saved a penalty.

Reading City, the club formerly known as Highmoor Ibis until their close-season name change, have brought former EFL midfielder Charlie Allen to Scours Lane.

The 26-year-old son of Chesterfield manager Martin Allen, who started his career as a youth team player at Championship club Reading, has joined City on a short-term deal agreed with boss Andy Findlay.

Allen has also been on the books of Brentford, Notts County, Dagenham & Redbridge, Gillingham – where he won a League Two championship medal in 2012/13 – and Farnborough. ROBIN JONES

SOUTHERN COUNTIES EAST

■ LORDSWOOD came from two goals down to preserve their unbeaten start against Punjab United.

Punjab ended Chatham Town’s 100 per cent start in midweek and went into a two goal lead by half-time.

Anthony Adesite put the visitors ahead and Will Johnson-Cole added a second before the break.

Ricky Gundry pulled a goal back in the 70th minute and Caine Smith levelled seven minutes from time.

In Division One, leaders Welling Town were held to a 1-1 draw at FC Elmstead.

Dom Elmes put Town ahead before Nick Wybrow levelled early in the second half. Holmesdale put their first defeat of the season behind them to win 5-1 at Lydd Town. Jojo Ogunbiyi scored twice as the Dalers bagged three goals in the last eight minutes. John Burtenshaw scored twice for Forest Hill Park in their 4-2 win at Kent Football United.

Kennington have made a good start after their promotion and the appropriately-named Tom Scorer netted twice in their 4-2 win at Meridian VP.

Theo White also scored twice as fellow new boys Greenways won 3-2 at Lewisham Borough. Bridon Ropes were 6-4 winners at Phoenix Sports Reserves. PAUL CARTER

WESTERN LEAGUE

■ JACK TAYLOR produced a masterful 90 minutes for Bridgwater

Town, scoring five goals during their 6-0 defeat of Brislington at Fairfax Park.

The former Wellington striker struck twice in the closing stages of the first half, with David Thorne’s left-footed effort adding to their lead.

Taylor completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute, before adding two more late on in a five-star performance.

Clevedon Town claim a 2-0 victory at Cribbs, with Callum Kingdom and Lucas Vowles scoring in either half.

In midweek, Bitton maintained their winning start with a 2-0 victory at home to Roman Glass St George. Westbury did likewise thanks to their 2-1 victory over Shortwood. Plymouth Parkway continued their impressive start with Stewart Yetton scoring either side of half-time during their 5-0 defeat of Wellington.

Buckland got up and running with a 2-1 win at home to Bridport. Jake Hiscocks’ brace helped

Bradford Town overturn an early deficit to defeat Cadbury Heath 4-1.

Oaklan Buck and Michael Rimmer both scored twice for Brislington as they thrashed Chipping Sodbury 6-0. TOM HISCOTT

WESSEX LEAGUE

■ BASHLEY were in fine form as they ran out 4-0 winners at home to Tadley Calleva.

The hosts went ahead after three minutes when Tony Rolls beat three players and fired past the keeper.

Dan Munday doubled the Bash’s advantage, shooting home from 18 yards, before adding their third goal.

Cameron Beard completed the Bashley scoring.

Chris Mason’s 93rd minute winner gave Alresford Town a 2-1 win at Christchurch.

Jason Silver put the visiting Magpies ahead on 73 minutes and Richard Luffman’s side appeared to be heading for all three points before Christchurch levelled in the last minute.

But Mason’s late winner denied the hosts a point. Cowes Sports won 2-1 at home against Team Solent with Ji Nash netting the winner for the Islanders.

John McKie had put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot before the Students drew level. Fareham-based rivals AFC

Portchester and Fareham Town drew 0-0 in the “El Creekio.” MATT RICHBELL