Spalding United’s UCL Premier Division title hopes took a massive hit on Tuesday night as they drew 1-1 at Sleaford Town, while Deeping Rangers suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat against Peterborough Northern Star.
Tulips target Ryan Oliver headed Sleaford ahead on five minutes at Eslaforde Park – and that’s how it stayed up until half time, with Spalding unable to convert possession into goals.
They did level in the first minute of the second period through Franny Green, though. Luke Hollingworth and Tom James were both dismissed in separate incidents as tempers flared in the Lincolnshire derby, but neither side could find a winner.
The draw sends Spalding up to second, but they’re now ten points behind leaders St Ives Town – who won 3-1 at Cogenhoe United. Pat Rayment’s side do have two games in hand.
Meanwhile, Billy King’s late penalty sentenced Deeping to the surprise defeat of the night against mid-table outfit Star. Rangers are now some 15 points off the pace in fifth.
Holbeach United can cut St Ives’ lead down to seven points if they can win at Blackstones tonight (7.45pm).
• Tuesday’s results: AFC Kempston Rovers 2 Yaxley 0; Cogenhoe United 1 St Ives Town 3; Deeping Rangers 0 Peterborough Northern Star 1; Irchester United 1 Newport Pagnell Town 4; Long Buckby 2 Harborough Town 1; Quorn 4 Stewarts & Lloyds Corby 1; Shepshed Dynamo 2 Desborough Town 3.