Dramatic late drama, derby victory and high-scoring defeats - non-league round-up

Remarkable late drama saw Market Drayton Town claim a thrilling 3-2 victory over Cheadle Heath Nomads.

Dave Lloyd’s hosts snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as the Cheshire visitors appeared to bag a late win of their own through Chigozie Ewelike two minutes from time.

But the Gingerbread Men roared back at their Balufab Stadium home with a bundled equaliser from substitute Ollie Griffiths on 90 minutes, before Durell Manhertz emerged as the stoppage time match-winning hero.

Manhertz rifled a stunning volley into the corner from the edge of the box to seal a dramatic three points in North West Counties First Division South.

Drayton had led for large part against the visitors, who also found themselves near the foot of the table. Josh Oultram converted a wicked Manhertz cross inside half hour.

But Cheadle found an equaliser 15 minutes from time through Tanor Collins before the late drama ensued.

First Division South leaders AFC Bridgnorth maintained their lead at the summit with a sixth win from seven in a lively Shropshire derby against nine-man Shawbury United.

Unbeaten Bridgnorth powered into a 2-0 half-time lead through marksman Suar Dedja’s early penalty and a Craig Tuckley goal, while the Crown Meadow visitors lost striker Josh Hesson to a red card.

The deficit remained at two until the hosts bagged another quickfire double in the closing stages through Nehemia Zazi and substitute Sam Preece. Shawbury sub Liam Taylor was also shown his marching orders.

Dawley Town and Telford Town were both condemned to 3-2 defeats on an afternoon of high-scoring.

Newly-promoted Dawley caught the eye at promotion-hopefuls Eccleshall in a first half that thrilled.

Ross Jones fired a brace, initially to put his side ahead before the hosts bagged a quickfire double. Jones hit back late in the first half.

But Staffordshire side Eccleshall had the final say with a Dylan Bath winner 10 minutes from time to leave Dawley 14th after two wins from six.

Telford Town are 16th after one win from eight and defeat at Wednesfield.

It was also 2-2 at half-time in the Black Country - and once again the hosts bagged a winner 10 minutes from time, through Tyler Bishop, to condemn the Shropshire men.

Shaquille McDonald and Isaac Cooper netted before the break for Telford.

A consolation from Ben Summers was not enough for Allscott Heath, who fell to a 2-1 reverse at high-flying Stafford Town. Allscott’s Carl Rogers saw an earlier penalty saved.

Ludlow Town capped a remarkable weekend of high-scoring defeats with a 3-2 home reverse to fellow high-flyers Studley in Hellenic Division One. Substitute Archie Grogan fired a stoppage-time winner.

Both Shifnal Town and Whitchurch Alport were without action due to FA Cup ties elsewhere.

Both are back to it in the FA Vase and FA Trophy next weekend, as Midland Premier Alport visit league rivals AFC Wolverhampton City in the Vase, and Northern Premier West outfit Shifnal welcome Shepshed Dynamo in the Trophy.