Free-wheeling FC Peterborough leave it late, new boys strike for Spalding, Bourne goal blitz, but early and late frustration for Stamford
Free-wheeling FC Peterborough left it late before securing a 2-1 win over FC Clacton in a Thurlow Nunn Division North fixture at the Millfield Autoparts Stadium on Saturday.
The city side are pretty much playing out time until the end-of-season play-offs. They are fourth, 15 points off top spot and 14 points clear of the teams outside the play-off places.
But they kept the win column ticking over today despite missing a glut of chances, including a David Yisah penalty, against Clacton.
The visitors took the lead in the first half before Mario Neves equalised. Vitor Vaz claimed the winning goal in added time at the end of the second-half.
Whittlesey Athletic were also 2-1 winners. Goals from Jack Carter and Kieran Hibbins delivered victory over visitors Dussindale & Helleseden.
Recent signings played a part as Spalding United won 3-0 at bottom club Royston Town in the Southern Premier Division Central. New boys Tom Pugh and Saleem Akimba both scored after Yusifu Ceesay had opened the scoring early in the second-half. Leaders Spalding remain four points clear at the top, but second-placed Harborough Town, 2-1 winners at Stratford today, have four games in hand.
Stamford AFC suffered blows at the start and the end of their big relegation battle at Barwell. The Daniels conceded in the opening minute and, after Leon Lobjoit’s 10th minute equaliser, the home side sealed a 2-1 win three minutes from time. Stamford are now two places and four points from a place of safety.
Bourne Town are refusing to give up in their fight against the drop in the Northern Midlands Premier Division. The Wakes won 5-2 at Long Eaton United today and are now just two points and two places from leaving the drop zone. Robbie Ellis and Lewis Darlington both scored twice for Bourne with Zak Allen also on target.
In the United Counties Premier Division South second-placed March Town were beaten 3-1 at next-to-bottom Bugbrooke St Michael and Blackstones remain in relegation trouble in the Premier Division North after a 2-0 loss at Belper United.
Peterborough Sports lost their National League North match 2-1 at Radcliffe
Saturday results
National League North: Radcliffe 2, Peterborough Sports 1 (Miller).
Southern Premier Division Central: Barwell 2, Stamford AFC 1 (Lobjoit); Royston Town 0, Spalding Utd 3 (Ceesay, Pugh, Akimba).
Northern Premier Midlands Division: Long Eaton Utd 2, Bourne Town 5 (Ellis 2, Darlington 2, Allen).
United Counties Premier Division North: Belper Utd 2, Blackstones 0; Wisbech Town 1 (Dear), Gresley Rovers 1. POSTPONED: Ashby Ivanhoe v Deeping Rangers.
United Counties Premier Division South: Bugbrooke St Michael 3, March Town 1 (Cotton).
Thurlow Nunn Division North: FC Peterborough 2 (Neves, Vaz) FC Clacton 1; Needham Market Res 2, FC Parson Drove 4; Whittlesey Athletic 2 (Carter, Kieran Hibbins), Dussindale & Hellesdon 1.