Newark Town are through to the third round of the FA Vase after a thrilling penalty shootout win against Lichfield City.
The game at the YMCA ended 1-1 on Saturday after an early Luke Anderson headed goal was cancelled out on the hour but Newark won 4-3 in the shootout with goalkeeper Eddie Cooper the hero, saving the visitors fourth spot kick before the fifth being blasted over the bar.
Newark will fly the flag in the competition for Notts after Eastwood Community were beaten also on penalties, by last seasons semi-finalists Lincoln United.
An entertaining game at Coronation Park between the UCL Premier Division North top two teams started well for the home side as Tyler Blake scored within a minute, that goal was cancelled out on eleven by Elliott Dye but Martin Ball & Darryl Thomas’ side must have thought they had one hand on going through, they instantly retook the lead through Craig Westcarr on 12 and with Lincoln reduced to ten late on, it looked to be Eastwood’s day, but a 92nd minute leveller by Evan Payne sent the tie to penalties, former Carlton Town goalkeeper Jack Steggles saving two and scoring to help send Lincoln through.
In the United Counties First Division it was a good day for league leaders Clipstone who stretch their lead at the top to six points over Clay Cross Town who have two games in hand. With Clay Cross in Vase action, Clipstone beat Blackstones 4-3 in a game they could easily have lost.
The Cobras were 1-2 at half time and losing 3-2 going in to the final minute but two stoppage time goals from Michael Williams turned the game on its head, if Clipstone do go on to win the league this season it’ll be games like this remembered as hugely significant in the title race.
Two teams not completely out of the title race, and well within the promotion pack, are third placed Retford United and fourth positioned Gedling Miners Welfare.
Retford are eight points below Clipstone having played a game less, they beat West Bridgford 2-1 at Cannon Park with an 89th minute winner from Kieran Knight. Gedling Miners Welfare who also have 32 points from 18 games (having played three more matches than Retford) won at fellow playoff contenders Radford (29 points from 14 played) 1-0 with the all important goal scored by Gianfranco Ciaurro on 25 minutes.
Elsewhere it was a good weekend for Dunkirk who beat bottom of the table Sandiacre Town 6-2 with eight different scorers on target in the game, another entertaining match was at Brinkley, where Southwell City lost 4-2 against Retford FC whilst Stapleford Town were beaten 3-1 at Pinxton.
*Article provided by Daniel Peacock (Editor).
*Main image @NewarkTownFC Eddie Cooper saves a penalty in the shootout for Newark.
