Chris White scored twice in Shaw Lane Aquaforce’s 3-1 win at Retford
Injury and suspension-hit Shaw Lane Aquaforce kept their title hopes alive with a 3-1 win at new-look Retford United.
Goals from Chris White (2) and Lee Morris enabled Aquaforce to take the three points and close the gap on Toolstation NCEL Premier Division leaders Worksop Town to eight points.
James Cotterill and Joe Thornton were starting their three-match bans, while goalkeeper Ben Gathercole was still ruled out injured.
Experienced Ossett Albion goalkeeper Neil Bennett was drafted in at short notice.
Retford also had several new faces in Adam Ledger, Declan Lycett, Adam Carter and Brad Johnstone.
The wind played a huge part in the game. Aquaforce took 20 minutes to open the scoring with White beating Ledger at his near post.
Morris soon added the second with a header from a corner.
White wrapped up the points with ten minutes to go in the first half – scoring straight from a wind-assisted corner.
Craig Laight pulled a goal back for Retford in the second half.
Retford United: Ledger, Hardman, Lycett, Laight, Thornton, Johnston, Wright, Carter, Dean, Richards, Lee. Subs: Buck, Walker, Ward, Coxon, Leese.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Bennett, Stohrer, Holt, Foster, Denton, Istead, Darley, Fox, White, Morris, Kelsey. Subs: Patterson, Haigh, Barlow, Eyles.
Referee: Hristo Karaivanov
Attendance: 135