PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER CENTRAL | WEEKEND REVIEW

First defeat of the season for leaders

There was drama at the top of the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central as leaders, Mickleover, lost for the first time with a 3-2 reverse at Stratford Town.

The afternoon started well enough as Oliver Greaves put them in front midway through the first half. Callum Ebanks levelled matters at the start of the second half before a brace from Lewis Ludford-Ison turned the scoreline on its head. A late penalty from Greaves was not enough to prevent his side from their first defeat in their 14th League game of the season.

It was fourth against third at Halesowen Town where the home side lost 3-1 to Hitchin Town who move up to second place. Goalkeeper, Charlie Horlock put the visitors in front on 13 minutes with a huge goal kick and it wasn’t until the final quarter-of-an-hour that more goals followed as John Freeman doubled his side’s advantage only for Richard Gregory to reduce the arrears soon afterwards. Late drama was to follow as Horlock (pictured) saved a late penalty, before Freeman bagged a last minute winner for the visitors.

A second half goal from Alex Cameron gave Redditch United a 1-0 away day win at Leiston as they maintain their place amongst the leading pack. Joining them amongst the top five are AFC Telford United who ran out 2-0 vctors over Long Eaton United thanks to second half goals from big defender Orrin Pendley and Tre Mitford.

There was a home defeat for Needham Market as they slipped to a 2-0 reverse at the hands of Nuneaton Borough for whom Victor Nirennold and Leroy Lita scored in each half.

AFC Sudbury secured only their second League win of the season as they beat Bromsgrove Sporting 2-0 thanks to two goals from Joe Neal, whilst Berkhamsted secured a point on their travels as they drew 1-1 at Barwell. Deen Master grabbed an early goal for the hosts before Lewis Johnson restored parity in the opening exchanges of the second period.

Four second half goals came at Kettering Town where the home side beat Royston Town 3-1. William Mellors-Blair opened the scoring for the Poppies on the hour, but within a minute Joseph Boachie equalised. As the clock ticked down, Harvey Beckett’s own goal restored the home side’s lead and then Tyrone Lewthwaite made the game safe.

The day’s other game ended level as Stamford and Leamington played out a 2-2 draw as the home side came back from two goals down in the final ten minutes.

IMAGE: Freddie Cardy