10-man Peterborough Sports come back from the dead, big points for Spalding United, Bourne Town and Deeping Rangers and a first win for Yaxley

Star man Leon Lobjoit gave Sports a 34th minute lead after an even start to the game, but goalkeeper Tom Jackson was then shown a straight red card just before the break. The city had no ‘keeper on the bench so midfielder Michael Richens went in goal.

That looked to have swung the game in Needham’s favour and they scored three times in 20 second-half minutes with a penalty conceded by Joe Burgess enabling the hosts to take a two-goal lead into the final 13 minutes.

But two Lewis Hillard set pieces gave the contest a late twist. Skipper Carl Mensah converted the first one with a header from an 81st minute free kick and a corner was then met by Mensah enabling Lobjoit to score again from close range with just two minutes to go to earn Sports an unlikely point.

It’s now three games unbeaten for Sports who have jumped up four places to 12th.

But the gloom goes on for bottom club Stamford AFC who have lost all six league games so far, the latest 5-0 at Kettering Town.

Spalding United picked up an excellent point from a 1-1 draw at National League North title fancies South Shields. Substitute Maniche Sani rescued a point with an 85th minute equaliser. Sani almost won the game with a second effort which was ruled out for offside.

Injury-hit Bourne Town also drew 1-1 at Boston Town in a Northern Premier Midlands Division clash. Zac Allen equalised after former Bourne man Zak Munton had scored for Boston. Bourne are 17th, but have played fewer games than any other team.

Deeping Rangers picked up their first point of the United Counties Premier Division North season from a 1-1 draw at home to high fliers Ashby Ivanhoe. Jonnie Lockie score their leveller.

And Yaxley picked up their first points in Premier Division South with a 3-1 home win over Histon.

RESULTS

National League North: South Shields 1, Spalding United 1 (Sani)

Southern Premier Division Central: Kettering 5, Stamford AFC 0; Needham Market 3, Peterborough Sports 3 (Lobjoit 2, Mensah).

Northern Premier Midlands Division: Boston Town 1, Bourne Town 1 (Allen).

United Counties Premier Division North: Deeping Rangers 1 (Lockie), Ashby Ivanhoe 1.

United Counties Premier Division South: Yaxley 3, Histon 1.

FIXTURES

Tuesday

Thurlow Nunn Premier Division: Wisbech Town v Downham Town.

Wednesday

United Counties Premier Division South: FC Peterborough v Godmanchester Rovers.

Thurlow Nunn Division One North: Netherton United v Holbeach United. Whittlesey Athletic v FC Parson Drove.