Central Midlands round-up: Back to back wins at last for improving Glapwell

Bentleys keeper can only look as Glapwell fire into a 2-1 lead with this free kick

The opening exchanges were scrappy and both sides had half chances before Glapwell took the lead on 29 minutes when a poor clearance by Bentley keeper Mike Teale fell straight to Ash Barber, who finished brilliantly from just outside the area.

The visitors levelled before the break, though, when a quickly taken short corner saw Kevin Lynch flash an effort across goal that flew into the net off a Glapwell defender.

After chances to retake the lead before half-time, Glapwell did go back in front on 53 minutes when Ashley Ruse brilliantly curled home a free kick from 25 yards.

It was three when Ruse did well down the right before picking out Adam Seward, who took a touch and finished emphatically from just inside the area.

Things could have got even better soon after when Derrick Miller’s powerful run from inside his own half was only ended by a foul in the penalty area, but Ruse saw his weak spot kick saved by Teale.

Bentley had a couple of half chances to get themselves back in the game, but in the end it was a comfortable enough victory for Glapwell to climb into the top 10 after continuing their recent improvement.

Sherwood Colliery made leaders AFC Mansfield work hard for the three points at the Forest Town Stadium on Saturday, the Bulls edging the game 4-3.

AFC have had a busy week, but the visitors were in no mood to be charitable, surging forward from the word go. Brad Straw saw his effort saved by Dale Sheppard after just two minutes and it was no surprise when they took the lead on six minutes.

Dave Bullock was given time and space to fire a low drive from the edge of the box past the outstretched Dale Sheppard.

Dean Rick brought the scores level on 13 minutes latching onto a through ball from Craig Cantrell, the striker firing a low drive across Alex Vasper and into the far corner of the net.

The Bulls went in front on 18 minutes, a mix-up between Vasper and a defender seeing the ball half cleared to Danny Naylor 30 yards out from where the midfielder looked up and guided the ball into the empty net.

The visitors were continuing to take the game to the home side, but it wasn’t until the 34 minute that they pulled level.

Brad Straw was sent clear by Scott Curley, and he was able to place his shot under Sheppard from 10 yards.

One final twist in an entertaining half saw the Bulls snatch the lead once more.

Another great ball from Cantrell found Mark Carter on the far post for a simple tap-in.

Once again Sherwood Colliery pegged back the league leaders five minutes into the re-start, Brendan Williams the scorer at the back post after some woeful marking from AFC.

However, Craig Cantrell set up the winning goal on 64 minutes, sending Mark Carter clear and the midfielder doubled his tally with a superb finish from the edge of the box over the head of the advancing Vasper.

So AFC Mansfield retained top spot, albeit in unconvincing style, and now face the clash of the season on Saturday when they travel to second-placed Westella Hanson for what promises to be a fiery encounter.

Ollerton went down 4-2 at Newark while Thoresby were held 2-2 at home by Brodsworth.

Askern ran out 5-1 winners away to Welbeck.

In the Black Dragon South Division, Blidworth and Pinxton could not be separated at 1-1 with Southwell City and Hucknall Town also finishing up locked at the same score.

However, South Normanton hit the goals trail with a 6-0 hammering of Calverton.