Luke Fletcher struck twice in Handsworth’s win at Pickering
A player from each side was sent off as manager-less Handsworth Parramore won 3-2 at Pickering Town.
Handsworth, led by interim boss Mick Godber after Peter Duffield’s departure in midweek, flew out of the blocks and scored an early goal.
Pickering failed to deal properly with a free kick and Luke Fletcher managed to force the ball home for Parramore.
The home side soon hit back when Ryan Cooper equalised from a tight angle. James Bennett then almost put Pickering ahead, but his lob over goalkeeper Archie Sneath cannoned back off the crossbar.
Tempers frayed close to half-time. A tackle by Kieran Wells on George Bissett sparked a furious reaction from Cooper, who ran 30 yards to confront the Parramore striker. After a delay, Wells and Cooper were sent off.
Before the whistle for the interval blew, Parramore went in front again with a repeat of the opener as Fletcher pounced after Pickering failed to clear a free kick.
Handsworth put some breathing space between themselves and Pickering straight after half-time. Simon Harrison raced down the left-wing and crossed for Jon Froggatt, who drilled the ball past home goalkeeper Pete Lawrie.
Parramore had several chances to put themselves out of sight. Harrison went close and so did Froggatt.
Matty Turnbull gave Pickering late hope of rescuing a point, but Parramore held on.
Pickering Town: Lawrie, Ingram, Tilsley (captain), Danby, Hope (Richardson 57), Taylor (Lingard 81), Turnbull, Bissett, Cooper, Kamara (Foster 81), Bennett, Dalton.
Handsworth Parramore: Sneath, Starosta, Eades, Fletcher, Griffiths, Denton (captain), Harrison, Warne (Scargill), Froggatt (Wright), Wells, Buttle (Rippon).
Referee: Matt McGrath
Attendance: 127