Baris NCEL Review - Season 2011/12 #57
29th April, 2012
Congratulations to Handsworth who lifted the Baris NCEL Division One title but we will have to wait until Tuesday to see who takes the Premier Division crown after a dramatic day in the League on Saturday.
The top two sides in each division squared up to each other in what has proved to be the most thrilling finale in recent years.
Division One leaders Handsworth went to Worksop Parramore knowing that anything but defeat would secure them the trophy.
But, in the end, they sprinted to the line with goals from Scott Bates claiming a 2-0 victory and sparking great celebrations at the final whistle.
There was further heartbreak for Parramore as they were denied the second promotion place by a late fightback from Glasshoughton Welfare.
The Castleford side were two goals down by the hour mark at AFC Emley thanks to strikes from Scott Holt and Paul Banton before a Sean Hazelden own goal gave them hope of a fightback on 68 minutes.
Their hero was substitute Steven Bennett who came on with ten minutes remaining and struck twice to make it a 3-2 victory and three points that sees Glasshoughton end as runners-up.
Rossington Main claimed their best ever finish in the NCEL as William McGhie and Jonathan Mirfin netted in a 2-1 victory at Louth Town to see them finish in sixth spot.
They went above Eccleshill United who were beaten by the same scoreline at Askern Villa, Gary Munday netting a second-half brace for the hosts.
Shirebrook Town were 3-1 home winners over Pontefract Collieries with the visitors ending the season in fifth place whilst Dinnington Town won 3-2 at home to Grimsby Borough.
In the Premier Division, Bridlington Town and Retford United met at the Neil Hudgell Law Stadium knowing that a victory for either side would see them lift the trophy.
And, it looked as though Retford had done it as the game went into injury time with them leading 2-1 only for the hosts to grab a last gasp equaliser.
The league's top scorer Craig Hogg had put Bridlington ahead on fifteen minutes but Carl Snowden levelled on the half-hour and Karl Slack had seemingly claimed the victory with his 65th minute strike.
But, Billy Logan popped up to make sure honours were even and keep the Seasiders, who have now finished their league campaign, top of the table but they must wait until Tuesday to see if they will be champions.
Retford, who play their last game at home to Thackley on that night, will take the trophy if they win.
Lincoln Moorlands Railway are confirmed as the team that join Selby Town in the Premier Division relegation zone.
They were beaten 5-4 in a remarkable match at home to Brighouse Town, a scoreline that saw their opponents move back up into third place.
The home side were 5-2 behind going into the last ten minutes but goals from Jake Thompson and Sean Cann almost threatened an unbelievable comeback.
But, the defeat, coupled with a win for Maltby Main means they are now four points from safety with one game to play.
Maltby beat visitors Selby Town, 2-0, with goals from Rob Branagan and Paul Lavender to cap a superb run of form that led them to Premier Division survival.
Main lost only once in their last nine games and won four of their last five as they overturned a seven-point gap on Railway at the start of last month to overtake them and move out of the bottom two.
Armthorpe Welfare completed their campaign with a 3-1 home victory over Pickering Town whilst Long Eaton United finished winning 3-2 at Hall Road Rangers.
Tadcaster Albion stay in eighth with one to play after a Chris Kamara double helped them to a 3-1 victory at Barton Town Old Boys whilst Delroy White and Darrell Kendal struck in a 2-0 win for Thackley at Parkgate to move them up into ninth.
Two games were postponed due to waterlogged pitches, Winterton Rangers' trip to Arnold Town and Nostell Miners Welfare's home clash with Staveley Miners Welfare.