Spalding United suffered a narrow 1-0 derby defeat at Stamford on Saturday, while both Pinchbeck United and Holbeach United suffered potentially damaging defeats in the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division North.
Starting with the big derby in the Pitching In NPL Midlands Division, it took a freak goal in the first minute to sentence the Tulips to a loss at the Zeeco Stadium.
Jack Duffy’s speculative strike inside the first 18 seconds took an awful bobble and found a way past Michael Duggan, who wasn’t at fault.
It was a close contest after that, but Spalding were unable to find a leveller as the Daniels continued their march towards promotion.
The Tulips slip to tenth, while Stamford are fourth and still just six points off top spot.
Meanwhile, Holbeach are all but relegated from the UCL Premier Division North after being handed a 3-0 reverse at Heather St John’s.
First-half goals from James Spruce (7 and 22) and Sam Ellis (32) ensured that the Tigers’ winless season continues (no win in 29) – and given their awful goal difference of -89, they are effectively down already.
Meanwhile, Pinchbeck let a half-time lead slip as they went down 2-1 against Heanor Town at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
Spencer Weir Daley’s debut strike put the Knights ahead, but second-half strikes from Lewis Rourke (62) and James Sleigh (81) gave Heanor the win and keeps Lewis Thorogood’s side in the drop zone.
Fortunately for them, Selston also lost – so it’s as you were in the race for survival, with Pinchbeck two points behind having played two games more.
More to follow.
