A SENSATIONAL late turnaround saw Eccleshill United keep their promotion hopes alive in the NCEL Premier Division.

They were 1-0 down with five minutes to go, and facing a surprise defeat at mid-table Staveley, but Jordan Emery equalised, before the ever-reliable Luke Aldrich grabbed an injury-time winner.

It was a quiet first half, with Eccleshill forcing Staveley stopper Dylan Parkin into a good save at his near post in the opening 10 minutes, before home player Declan Howe scuffed an effort just over from a tight angle.

Howe has been prolific in the league this season, and he made no mistake midway through the second half, latching on to a ball in behind before lifting it over Ed Wilczynski.

The Eagles were unhappy, feeling that Howe was offside, but they channelled their frustrations into attacking the Staveley goal.

One long-range effort was tipped over the bar, before Parkin made a brilliant unorthodox save from close range.

That sent the ball out for a corner and from the set-piece, the ball reached Emery, who received the ball with his back to goal.

But he was able to knock the ball up in the air, swivel, and plant home the equaliser.

Aldrich won it in the 94th minute, when he reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and scrambled it home, to the unbridled joy of everyone connected with Eccleshill.

The top two have a chance of promotion, and while the Eagles are currently fifth, they are just two points off second place with a game in hand.

They play that tomorrow, at home to Bottesford Town.

Elsewhere, Albion Sports' relegation fears increased again, as they lost a vital basement battle 2-0 at home to Hemsworth Miners Welfare.

Hemsworth are still in the two-team relegation zone, but are now just two points behind Albion, having played three games more.

Albion are back in action on Wednesday night at home to Barton Town.

Chris Lever's late goal was not enough for Thackley, as they went down 2-1 at a strong Barton Town side.

That saw them drop below Silsden, who grabbed a point with a 1-1 draw at Maltby Main, thanks to an own goal from the home side's skipper Joseph Austin.

Antony Brown picked up a late red card though, meaning the striker will miss the three games after Silsden's trip to Winterton Rangers on Wednesday.

In the NWCFL First Division North, Campion had a chance to all but secure survival, but a late 1-0 defeat to relegation rivals Ashton Town means they are not safe yet with three games to go.

If they can win at home to Nelson on Wednesday night, that would ease any drop fears.

Steeton did ensure their place in the division next season, as they recovered from a Jerry White own goal in the first minute to beat AFC Blackpool 2-1 with a Kayle Price double.

Liversedge are still just three points off the summit in the NPL East Division, after goals from Gav Allott, Joe Walton and Ben Atkinson secured a nervy 3-2 win over Sheffield.

Sedge have a game in hand on leaders Marske United, so will go top on goal difference if they beat Worksop Town at home tomorrow night.

In the same division, Brighouse Town thumped 10-man Pickering Town 5-1, thanks to a brace from Laurence Sorhaindo, and further goals from Shiraz Khan, Elliot Harrison and Javelle Clarke.