Stilton United’s lead down to a single point after draw, Netherton United run riot, title contenders suffer a point deduction, plus Stanground Sports’ opponents walked off after half an hour!

Only two-top flight matches after a month of inactivity were played on Saturday (December 5) and while Stilton and title rivals were fighting out a 1-1 draw with potential rivals Peterborough North End Sports, second-placed Netherton United bounced back to form with a 14-1 drubbing of a depleted Cardea side at the Grange.

Stilton led through a goal from top scorer Lee Deane, but the arrival of substitute Joe Graham in the second half turned the game in Sports’ favour and he grabbed the equaliser.

“It was a fair result in the end,” Stilton manager Chris Bartlett stated. “We were in control, but a substitution changed things in their favour and thet coulod have won it.”

Sports manager Tom Florence agreed: “It was competitive and both teams had good chances, but overall a draw was a fair result. We were just happy to be playing again.”

Zack Fisher only had two goals this season for Netherton ahead of the weekend, but he rammed in a double hat-trick against Cardea. Robbie Ellis, back at the club from Blackstones until Christmas, added a hat-trick, while Chris Down (2), Ryan Pratt (2) and Alfie Ferguson also netted.

“We were ridiculously good from start to finish,” Netherton manager Jon Harrison enthused.

There was a further boost for the title chasers as FC Parson Drove have been deducted a point after their recent fixture against Stamford Lions didn’t start because of incorrect pitch markings. Lions have been awarded the win, their first of the season.

There was a bizarre finish to the Division Three game between title fancies Stanground Sports and King’s Cliffe Reserves with the latter reportedly refusing to carry on after just 31 minutes when 5-1 down.

King’s Cliffe started the game with eight players. Jack Barron scored four of the goals.

The game will likely be awarded to Stanground once it’s passed through the county FA disciplinary board.