 |
Vauxhall’s defeat presented Ashton with the chance to go to the top but they found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreline going down by the odd goal in a seven-goal thriller against Belper Town. Cunningham gave Belper the lead as early as the seventh minute before Ashton struck back to lead at the break thanks to goals from Illingworth and France. A burst of three goals in eighteen second half minutes from Cunningham, Weston and Mays put Belper in the control of the match and although Gomershall reduced the arrears in the 66th minute Ashton could not force an equaliser.
Unlike the teams above them Bradford did not slip up, enjoying a handsome victory from their trip to Matlock. Two goals ahead at half time, courtesy of a first half brace from Maxwell, Park Avenue doubled their lead by the 67th minute as Maxwell completed his hat trick and Thompson added a fourth. Wainman’s 89th minute consolation effort for Matlock was far too late to alter the outcome and as a result of this win Bradford move to the top of the table.
Fourth placed Stocksbridge were held to a surprise draw by struggling Gretna whilst Ossett Town overcame Guiseley by the odd goal in three. Chorley’s faint title hopes were dealt a deathblow at Harrogate where the home side ran out comprehensive winners courtesy of goals from Underwood, Elliott and Shelton.
Elsewhere Witton enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 win over Eastwood, whilst Winsford twice fought back from going a goal behind in their fixture against Lincoln United to earn a point from a 2-2 draw.
At the foot of the table, Congleton were within seconds of earning a point from their trip to Farsley when a last minute goal from player coach Steve Learoyd secured the points for the home side and dashed their hopes. The relegation clash between Radcliffe and Kendal turned out to be a hard fought affair with defences well on top. It took the arrival of Radcliffe top scorer Neil Hardy (pictured), as substitute, to break the deadlock. It was his 84th minute goal that decided the match and earned his side a very valuable three points.
