Week Ending 23rd September by Dave Lumley

In midweek Ellistown realised their aspirations when they hit the Premier division top spot, the automatic step6 promotion spot, providing the ground meets the FA Ground Grading and the club has applied for promotion. The Town recorded their 6th straight win, in an unbeaten record of 8 starts. The latest win was under the relatively new LED lights at Terrace Road against AFC North Kilworth 3-0, after Hasim Bakar netted an impressive hat trick against the hard working visitors who slipped to their 2nd successive defeat.
Ellistown expected to be replaced on the Saturday as they stood down but with Allexton & New Parks also sidelined it was left to the previous leaders, Desford & Caterpillar. However, Ellistown remain in top spot as results went for them as Desford dropped their 1st points of the season to visiting Aylestone Park Res 3-5. Aylestone moved into the top 4, behind Allexton after a brace from Aaron Preston added to by Dan Marriott, Marley Spencer and Dan Henfrey. Parks led 2-4 at the break as Desford came back with goals from Connor McGraham, Callum Nortern and Jared Rydquist.
AFC North Kilworth recovered from their mid week defeat with a 3-1 victory over Thurnby Rangers who, after 2 wins on the spin, took the half time lead 0-1 through Colby White. However, Kilworth were not to be out done and hit back with goals from Reece Hookway (2) and Joe Williams to retain 5th place.
Burbage and Huncote complete the current top6 with a 2-3 away win at FC Khalsa to make it 2 wins on the spin. FC Khalsa are finding life difficult at the moment but came back from 0-2 down after Liam Prescott and Cameron Atkinson scored either side of half time for Burbage, to make it 2-2 through Sameron Dool and Fezan Shah before Prescott converted a late penalty for the 3 points.
Hathern got back to winning ways and a move up the table with a 3-1 defeat of Highfield Rangers after Tom Insley, Jack McLachlan and Liam Walton scored. Highfield netted in the first half through Liam Bloxham, but turned round 2-1 down and slipped to their 3rd defeat on the trot.
Cottesmore Amateurs moved into mid-table with a convincing 4-0 defeat of Sileby Town who were on the back of 2 straight wins. The Amateurs were up 3-0 at half time and finished with a brace from Brenden Parker added to with goals from Mark Tinsley and Ewan Simmons, off the bench, for their 1st win in 5 starts.
Magna 73 ended a pointless run of 2 with a 1-1 draw at Friar Lane and Epworth who salvaged a point with a 2nd half equaliser from Curtis Wheat. Spencer Beck had given Magna the first half lead.
In the potential relegation 6 pointer Barrow Town gained their 2nd win of the season, 1-0 over Ashby Ivanhoe Knights who remain pointless and now 6 points adrift at the foot of the table after Liam Stafford scored the lone 2nd half winner.