Toolstation NCEL Premier Division Round-Up (1)
Mark Simpson put his name back on the map as a prolific striker after scoring a 15-minute second half hat-trick in threadbare Knaresborough Town’s remarkable 3-2 victory at AFC Mansfield.
Knaresborough, whose staggering injury crisis remains a major issue, had centre-forward Colin Heath at centre-half again and they found themselves 2-0 down at half-time.
But Rob Hunter must have delivered some words of inspiration during the interval as Knaresborough immediately turned the game on its head.
Simpson showed his instinct for a goal for the first one by pouncing on the rebound from Heath’s parried shot.
The Garforth Town legend was then handed an empty net for the equaliser after great work from 17-year-old Ewan Gregson.
Simpson completed his hat-trick following a penalty.
He had been brought down and his spot kick was saved.
Fortunately he made amends by firing in the rebound.
Simpson almost scored a fourth as he went clean through but blazed over.
Eccleshill United’s eighth consecutive league victory maintained their pursuit of unbeaten leaders Grimsby Borough.
A Dan Illingworth own goal and a Sam Bradley goal saw them to a 2-1 derby day victory over Silsden.
Jack Normanton gave Danny Forrest’s Silsden late hope.
Maltby Main were held to a 1-1 draw by Nathan Jarman’s six-unbeaten Barton Town.
Tom Waudby had put Barton in control with a first half low drive.
A penalty ten minutes into the second half allowed Maltby to level.
Hardwick was the player poleaxed and Jono Williams buried the spot kick.