League Round Up: 10th March

After beating Wyberton at their Newark Road ground they now need to win their four remaining league fixtures to be crowned champions.

Indeed the destiny of the league title is in their hands after reigning champions Skegness Town were defeated by East Lindsey rivals Horncastle Town.

Ten-man Nettleham were held at home by Louth Town, while the match between Grimsby Borough Academy and Sleaford Sports Amateurs was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Horncastle Town 3 Skegness Town 1

The seasiders conceded two penalties to help the Wongers to three points in the East Lindsey derby.

Despite enjoying a bright start, the visitors fell behind midway through the first half. Former Lilywhite Liam Papworth crossed and Luke Blondell stole in between two defenders to loop his header over the stranded Skegness keeper.

The Lilywhites’ woes increased in the 35th minute when Daniel Stevens was penalised for bundling Andrew Bullivant to the floor.

Richard Jackson stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way from the spot.

Skegness pulled a goal back through Ryan O’Loughlin after the break, but a second penalty for Jackson sealed the victory for second placed Horncastle.

Nettleham 1 Louth Town 1

It was a game of two penalties at Mulsanne Park.

The first was converted by Nettleham’s Matthew Clarke to give the hosts a 1-0 half time lead.

Five minutes into the second period home keeper Joe Christopher conceded a penalty and was dismissed for denying an opponent a goal-scoring opportunity in the process. Frazer Chapman slotted the spot kick past Daryl Chappell who had come off the Nettles’ bench to take over between the posts.

Chappell pulled off a couple of outstanding saves as the visitors attempted to make the extra man count.

But third placed Nettleham were not without their chances in an end-to-end second period. Their best effort glanced off the foot of a post as they looked for a winner.

Ruston Sports 3 Wyberton 0

The league’s top scorer Alex Mackinder struck twice as leaders Rustons picked up a comfortable three points at home to Wyberton.

Sports took just three minutes to edge in front with Mackinder’s first of the afternoon.

He doubled the home side’s advantage midway through the second half.

Substitute Kyle May wrapped things up with a screamer deep into stoppage time.

Results:

Horncastle Town 3 Skegness Town 1; Nettleham 1 Louth Town 1; Ruston Sports 3 Wyberton 0.

Postponed: Grimsby Borough Academy v Sleaford Sports Amateurs