Relegation threatened Gretna almost proved to be party poopers as they made Bradford fight every inch of the way in front of an anxious crowd at the Horsfall Stadium.
Avenue took the lead after a bright opening when Gretna failed to clear their lines following a corner allowing Neil Bagshaw the opportunity to fire home from ten yards. Gretna then stunned the home crowd with two goals in two minutes, courtesy of Dobie and Mawson.
Bradford got back on level terms after twenty minutes when Mark Hancock unleashed a left foot shot that flew into the net off the underside of the bar to end the scoring for the afternoon.
The battle for second place is still on after Vauxhall failed to take full advantage of Ashton Utd’s shock defeat against Eastwood Town, for whom Mark Smith netted the vital goals.
Whilst Ashton were struggling at Eastwood Vauxhall had a fight on their hands against Radcliffe. The match ended 1-1 with Stuart wright scoring for the home side and OAP striker Mark Carter replying for Borough. Vauxhall need to win one of their remaining matches to gain a second successive promotion.
The docking of a further three points from Winsford’s total, for yet again fielding an ineligible player, has left them perilously close to the relegation zone despite them earning a point at Lincoln Utd courtesy of a 1-1 draw. They are now only a point clear of Gretna.
Elsewhere Trafford enjoyed their trip to Congleton, hitting the home side for six including a hat-trick for Darren Emmett. Goals from Elliott and Barker helped Ossett Town to victory over Workington whose solitary reply was netted by Billy Barr.
There were goals aplenty at Stocksbridge as the home side overcame the challenge of Guiseley by four goals to two. Askey, Longden, Powell and Hurlstone netted for the Steels.
The tale of two Towns ended all square as Belper and Kendal shared four goals at Christchuch Meadow. Mays and Cunningham were on target for Belper with Skeough and Dunne replying for the away side.
