There was league and cup action for our non-league teams again this weekend, with mixed fortunes across the region, writes David Ward.
Tamworth 2-2 Boston United
Boston United earned a valuable point from a difficult trip to Tamworth after twice coming from behind.
The hosts started strongly and created a couple of early opportunities, although Boston gradually grew into the contest. Former Pilgrim Kieren Donnelly gave Tamworth the lead in the 23rd minute before a fine save from United goalkeeper Chadwick prevented the hosts from doubling their advantage four minutes later.
That stop proved important when Jamie Grimes equalised for Boston after 32 minutes. Tamworth responded by immediately putting the Pilgrims’ defence under pressure, but Chadwick produced another excellent save to ensure the sides went into the interval level.
Tamworth regained the lead in the 53rd minute, prompting Paul Hurst to introduce Lennie John-Lewis on the hour. The change paid off within three minutes as the experienced striker scored a cracking goal to make it 2-2.
The game became an end-to-end affair after the equaliser, but Boston’s defence remained firm and secured a well-deserved point. Hurst was pleased with the result, although he felt his side could have been stronger during the periods when they were on top.
Spalding United 2-0 Southport
Spalding United continued their impressive start to life in National League North with a convincing home victory over Southport.
The Tulips began brightly and created several opportunities before Bart Cybulski opened the scoring in the 26th minute. Cybulski then had the ball in the net for a second time, only for the goal to be disallowed for a foul.
Spalding emerged even stronger after the interval and created a succession of chances. Their pressure finally produced a second goal after 75 minutes when Sam Straughan-Brown broke forward from defence. His initial shot was saved, but he followed up to head into an empty net.
It was the perfect way for Straughan-Brown to celebrate the extension of his loan spell. The Tulips are now sitting just outside the play-off places, an excellent position during their first season at this level.
Lincoln United 2-5 Liversedge
Lincoln United suffered their heaviest defeat of the season as league leaders Liversedge left Ashby Avenue with all three points.
The visitors’ direct approach caused problems from the outset and they took the lead after 16 minutes. Liam Moran equalised on the half-hour mark, ensuring the Whites went into the break on level terms.
United were then forced to replace their goalkeeper shortly after half-time because he was unwell, with outfield player Tom Ward taking the gloves. Despite that setback, Elliot Dye gave the Whites a 2-1 lead in the 52nd minute.
Liversedge responded emphatically, using their direct style to good effect as they scored four unanswered goals during the remainder of the second half. It was a difficult afternoon for United, who will now look to produce a positive response in their next fixture.
Skegness Town 1-1 Sheffield FC
Skegness Town shared the points with the world’s oldest football club following an entertaining game against Sheffield FC.
The Lilywhites entered the fixture after an excellent midweek victory over Blackstones. Skegness had trailed 2-1 at half-time in that contest before goals from Kieren Wressell, Dec Johnson, Jordan Nuttall and Lucas Dakin secured a 4-2 win.
They carried that momentum into the weekend, with Nuttall opening the scoring inside the first 10 minutes. Sheffield equalised six minutes later and the remainder of the match produced end-to-end action.
Both teams had opportunities to find a winner, but neither could convert and they were forced to settle for a point apiece.
Harrowby United P-P Clipstone Welfare
The match between Harrowby United and Clipstone Welfare was abandoned during the second half following a serious collision between two players.
The incident initially caused a delay of around 30 minutes before the decision was taken to abandon the fixture because of the injury suffered by a Clipstone player and assistant manager.
Everyone at The Stacey West sends their best wishes to him and hopes he makes a full recovery.
Staveley Miners Welfare 4-3 Sleaford Town
Sleaford Town surrendered a two-goal advantage as a dramatic late turnaround saw Staveley Miners Welfare claim all three points.
The Greens made an ideal start when Dion Tansey-Potter gave them the lead after only three minutes. Staveley responded immediately with an equaliser, but Ben Robson restored Sleaford’s advantage on the half-hour mark.
Josh Parker added a third goal in the 54th minute, putting the visitors in a commanding position. However, the afternoon went from good to bad as Staveley mounted an impressive comeback.
The hosts scored three times, including twice during the final three minutes, to snatch victory. It was a hugely disappointing result for Sleaford after they had looked in control for much of the contest.
Louth Town 1-1 Shirebrook Town
Louth Town rescued a point with a superb late free-kick against Shirebrook Town.
There were opportunities at both ends during a goalless first half, but it was Shirebrook who eventually broke the deadlock after the interval.
The visitors appeared set to take all three points until Krisztian Gagyi found the back of the net with an excellent free-kick. His goal ensured Louth added another point to their total following a 1-1 draw.
Brigg Town 2-2 Livsupplies FC
League leaders Brigg Town were pegged back by two quick second-half goals as Livsupplies FC earned a point.
The Zebras dominated the opening stages and deservedly took the lead through Dayle Southwell after 15 minutes. Josh Batty doubled the advantage in the 38th minute, sending Brigg into the break with a comfortable lead.
The hosts again started strongly after the interval, but Livsupplies transformed the contest by scoring twice in the space of three minutes.
Brigg’s management team praised the visitors for the manner of their recovery while also expressing satisfaction with the Zebras’ excellent start to the season.
Sherwood Colliery 2-4 Gainsborough Trinity
Gainsborough Trinity avoided a potential FA Cup upset with a 4-2 victory away at Sherwood Colliery.
Trinity started strongly and Fraser Preston gave them the lead in the 24th minute. Sherwood responded only two minutes later, however, and the sides remained level until half-time.
Gainsborough applied heavy pressure during the opening 15 minutes of the second period without finding a breakthrough. That changed on the hour when Connor Brown restored their advantage.
Theo Williams added a third goal after 72 minutes before scoring his second of the afternoon 10 minutes later. Sherwood continued to battle and pulled one back, but Trinity progressed safely and will hope this is the beginning of another memorable FA Cup run.
Stamford 0-1 Mickleover
Stamford suffered late heartbreak as an 88th-minute goal sent Mickleover through in the FA Cup.
The match was entertaining throughout, with both teams creating chances. Stamford appeared to grow stronger as the contest progressed, but they were unable to turn their positive play into a goal.
The decisive moment arrived when Stamford conceded a free-kick close to the penalty area. Mickleover took full advantage by scoring with only two minutes of normal time remaining.
It was a cruel conclusion for Stamford, whose performance deserved more, but their failure to find the net left them vulnerable to a late setback.
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