Premier champions forced to settle for share of spoils

PREMIER Division champions Ball Haye Green were held to a 1-1 draw by Brereton Social.

- Chris Travers

Beckham Fulton gave Social a first-half lead, but Paul Hughes rescued a point for Green when he fired home on 59 minutes.

Fourth-placed Redgate Clayton travelled to Northwood Stadium and handed out a 7-2 away-day thrashing to basement club FC41.

Co-manager Dave Ashley opened Redgate's account in the 12th minute with Harry Ainsworth adding their second midway through the first period with a third arriving courtesy of Elisio Francisco.

The second half saw Ashley once again finding the net in the 54th minute to complete his brace which was quickly followed up by a Jacob Bromley goal just two minutes later.

Lucas Smith made it six when he scored in the 69th minute with the returning Jack Finney putting his side in seventh heaven when he netted on 81 minutes.

Audley, the current occupants of fifth position in the table, were held 3-3 by the much-improved Milton United outfit at Town Fields.

George Gilmore, Billy Middleton and Callum Middleton all found the back of the net for Wayne Minton's hosts, while a Stephen Cope goal for Milton was added to by a brace from team-mate Jenson Adams, one being from the penalty spot.

Silverdale Athletic picked up three hard-earned points at Manor Road where they defeated hosts Madeley White Star 2-1.

After a goalless first period, White Star skipper Joe Morris opened the scoring just after the hour but that advantage only served to awaken Dale who equalised through Thomas Parkes on 75 minutes.

As the encounter entered into the concluding stages, former Port Vale youngster Dom Thorley stepped up to fire home the winner for Allan Davies' visitors nine minutes from time.