Bilsthorpe bounce back to stay on leaders’ heels

Bilsthorpe shook off Saturday’s disappointment by beating Askern 3-1 at Eakring Road.

They had to come from behind as Joe Byron gave the Yorkshire side an advantage which they held until the last kick of the first half when Tristan Burrell notched the equaliser.

Mark Carter put the home side in front and an own goal settled the match, leaving Bilsthorpe just five points behind Clay Cross with four games in hand.

The outcome of Westella VIP’s match at Sherwood Colliery was never really in doubt after Alex Wood scored the first of two penalties on 20 minutes.

Chris Short added a second on 38, and Westella completed a 4-0 win thanks to Chris Spinks and a second spot kick from Wood, putting the East Yorkshire side nine points adrift of the leaders, again with four matches in hand.

Thoresby Colliery were held to a draw at home for the second time over the Easter weekend, Bentley Colliery crowning a productive couple of days with a creditable 1-1 draw. Jake Levers was the Thoresby scorer, Ali Stewart replying for Bentley.

There was no hint of what was to come at Moorends as Thorne Colliery were somewhat fortunate to lead Welbeck Welfare by two goals to one at the break.

The second period was somewhat different as Thorne ran riot to make the final score 10-3.

Kirk Frost led the way with a hat-trick, Kyle Palmer got two, with Thorne’s other goals coming from Darren Fell, Scott Rhodes, Robert Wilson, Glen Hookway and an own goal.

Welbeck’s three came from Josh Brentnall, Levi Brentnall and another own goal.

Easington United responded well to Saturday’s defeat with a last gasp winner at Low Farm to beat Glapwell 3-2.

Just as they did in their last game Glapwell led twice but couldn’t sustain their advantage. Jordan Hall gave them a first half lead, which Daniel Barron snuffed out in the 50th minute.

Jake Wharton scored a second for the visitors, but sub Gavin Thirkettle had the last word, putting his side level before delivering the knockout blow in stoppage time.

The match at leaders Clay Cross fell victim to Good Friday’s rain, but there were mixed fortunes for the three of the top five who were in action. The pick of Friday’s games saw Bilsthorpe face Westella VIP at Eakring Road.

In a close encounter which saw few clear cut chances, the visitors stole the points with a 92nd minute Alex Wood goal, some consolation for their 89th minute defeat last Saturday.

This was just the second defeat of the season for Bilsthorpe.

Fourth placed Thoresby Colliery were the latest team to face the Phoenix revival, the teams sharing the points in a goalless draw.

Top scorer of the day was Appleby Frodingham’s Jonathan Nicholls who scored four of his side’s goals in their 6-1 win over Welbeck Welfare.

Sherwood Colliery have been showing improved form recently without getting the results, but finally came good with a 4-0 defeat of Easington United. Josh Smythe and Adam Sipson put the Wood in control by the interval, Sipson’s second and one from Nick Langford sealing the points in the second half.

Thorne Colliery came from behind twice to see off Glapwell 4-2 at Moorends.

Daniel Keenan and Dean Spencer twice put the visitors in front in the first 10 minutes, but two goals apiece from Kyle Palmer and Kirk Frost ensured the points for Thorne.

In the Black Dragon Badges South Division Blidworth Welfare completed a successful couple of days with a 5-2 win over Mickleover RBL, a result which lifts them to fifth place.

Gary Atkins scored twice with the others coming from Jordan Harris, Liam Theakstone and Liam Green.

Good Friday had seen a last gasp winner from Blidworth Welfare’s Brett Watson taking the points at Eastwood Community.

Jerome O’Connor had given Eastwood a 71st minute lead, but it was swiftly equalised by Lee Easom before Watson’s 95th minute winner.