Toolstation NCEL Division One
Will Lenehan heads the winner for Knaresborough. Picture: Craig Dinsdale
Will Lenehan’s header enabled runaway leaders Knaresborough Town to open up a ten point gap on third-placed Yorkshire Amateur.
Paul Stansfield’s men won 1-0 to Retford United to continue their unbelievable start to the season.
Knaresborough had to dig deep for the three points. Early signs were good for Knaresborough and Ben Parkes hit wide with a spectacular attempt after Gregg Anderson had headed on a corner.
A Blaine Hobson shot was then saved, but Dan Atkinson was soon called into action to keep out a Matthew Parkin shot.
A Lenehan shot was saved just before half time and Knaresborough turned to play with the strong wind during the second period.
Ben Cohen volleyed over before Retford pressed and Brad Kilner and Nathan Jones brought good saves from Atkinson.
Three Retford players picked up yellow cards as Knaresborough tried to grab the initiative which finally arrived in the 74th minute when Lenehan headed home from a Cohen corner on the left.
Four minutes later, Zach Caburn was sent off for Retford and, to the surprise of many, including himself, Simon Parkes was also dismissed apparently for a rash challenge.
In the Wednesday night game, Glasshoughton Welfare were beaten 4-0 at second-placed Grimsby Borough.