Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Handsworth Parramore 2-1 Pontefract Collieries
Alex Rippon dramatically scored the injury-time winner for Handsworth
Alex Rippon broke the hearts of Pontefract Collieries players and supporters after scoring the stoppage minute winner, minutes after the visitors had equalised.
It was a harsh ending for Pontefract, who had fought-back to level and seemingly earn their first point since the appointment of Craig Parry as their manager on a permanent basis.
Title-chasing Handsworth had taken an early lead after Gareth Griffiths was left unmarked from Simon Harrison’s free kick.
Richard Adams made a superb tackle to deny a certain equaliser for Collieries striker Brad Kerr.
Kerr did his get goal after Pontefract were awarded a penalty after a handball. Kerr stepped up and coolly fired the ball into the far right-hand corner.
But, Handsworth mounted a determined search for the winner and Rippon pounced after a scramble in the goal-mouth from Harrison’s cross.
Allanson’s men march on
Bridlington Town maintained their title challenge after goals from Joel Sutton and Andy Norfolk earned them a 2-0 win over Staveley.
Second-placed Bridlington are a point behind leaders Worksop Town.
Nathan Kamara spared Pickering Town’s blushes by scoring a last gasp winner after Paul Marshall’s men had thrown away a solid 2-0 lead against Clipstone.
Calum Ward and Joe Danby put Pickering in front before Clipstone got back into it.
In-form Ryan Carroll scored twice as Maltby Main recorded a fourth straight win with the 3-1 victory at Albion Sports.
Maltby initially trailed to Sam Bradley’s header before Carroll and Hemmingway intervened.