Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Mark Simpson scored for a tenth successive game as Garforth Town won for the seventh time in eight matches with the 1-0 win over Retford United.
Simpson’s smart turn and finish straight after half-time was all Garforth needed to continue their unbelievable form which is undeniably their best since the glory days of Steve Nichol in 2012.
Garforth were 15th on Boxing Day after losing to Parkgate, but the run of wins have now taken them to eighth.
Although Rob Hunter’s “loyal and passionate” side are playing with great confidence, they had to work hard against a Retford team which has been revitalised by Mark Wilson.
In a terribly windy conditions, 16-year-old Sean Hunter had Garforth’s best chances. At the other end, defender Luke McCrum cleared a goal-bound Retford effort off-the-line.
The breakthrough for Garforth came in the 52nd minute after record-breaker Simpson finished off Vinny Dhesi’s excellent run.
Retford’s Lee Betts was sent off in stoppage time.
Cleethorpes Town look primed and ready to win the title after beating nearest rivals Pickering Town 4-1.
Cleethorpes blew Pickering away with four goals in 14 second half minutes. Ryan Cooper’s strike was a mere consolation for the Pikes.
Manager-less Harrogate Railway lost 5-0 at Worksop Town.
Steve Hopewell and Ryan Carroll scored in Maltby Main’s 4-2 defeat at Staveley Miners Welfare.