NCEL Match Review #69
24th April, 2009
The KoolSport NCEL Premier Division title race could be decided on Saturday.
There are now only two sides challenging for the trophy and promotion to the UniBond League.
And, they meet in what could be the championship decider this weekend.
Leaders Mickleover Sports picked up four points out of their two home games in midweek.
They came from behind to beat Pickering Town 2-1 on Tuesday night, Ricky Law and Eric Graves with the goals after Dean Nuttall had given the Pikes a 52nd minute lead.
And then, on Thursday, they drew 0-0 at home to Nostell Miners Welfare.
Second-placed Selby Town saw their title challenge ended with a goalless draw on Tuesday at home to Hall Road Rangers - they are now five points behind with one game to play.
Long Eaton United, who are third, still have a chance to catch up with Mickleover as they are seven points adrift but with three to play.
But, Mickleover know that if they avoid defeat in their final game at home to Long Eaton on Saturday they will be crowned as champions.
In the other midweek Premier Division clash, Nostell Miners Welfare won 1-0 at home to Armthorpe Welfare thanks to a Craig Stephens strike in first-half injury time.
They are now thirteenth with still an outside chance of qualifying for next season's Presidents Cup.
In Division One, a Craig Rouse hat-trick with one from the penalty spot helped Pontefract Collieries to a 4-2 win at Grimsby Borough whilst Leeds Carnegie and Staveley Miners Welfare played out a goalless draw at Throstle Nest on Monday.
And, there was disappointment for two of our sides in their respective County Cups.
Winterton Rangers were beaten 2-0 by Boston Town in the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy Final that was played at Lincoln City's Sincil Bank ground.
Matt Kennedy and Paul Goodhand scored in the last quarter of the game to secure victory for the United Counties League outfit.
And, Arnold Town have missed out on the Notts Senior Cup Final after they lost 4-0 at Retford United in the last four.