ALBION Sports were grateful for their artificial surface on Saturday, as it allowed them to play their home game with Penistone Church.
And on a memorable afternoon at Myra Shay, the two sides played out an extraordinary 3-3 draw.
The result leaves the Bradford side four points clear of the relegation zone in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.
And given the sides below them all have games in hand, this result could prove vital come the end of the season.
Albion had enjoyed a brilliant first half, with Nathan Cartman’s brace putting them 2-0 up at the break.
Leon Hurles-Brook halved the deficit early in the second half, before prolific Penistone striker Nathan Keightley plundered two late goals to seemingly win the game for the visitors.
But to Albion’s credit, they hit back, ultimately salvaging a point thanks to Fernando Moke’s last-gasp equaliser.
Thackley also got their home game on, which required a stellar effort from all involved at Dennyfield.
Sadly, their afternoon against Golcar United did not go to plan, as they lost 5-2 and slipped a place to 11th in the table.
Toby Marriott was at the double as Thackley reduced the deficit to one goal after 70 minutes, but two late goals from the visitors gave the scoreline a more emphatic look.
Liversedge were in action at Tadcaster Albion, stretching their lead at the summit to eight points with a 1-0 win thanks to Kelan Swales’ second half winner.
They look well-placed to win the title now, as they still have a game in hand on second-placed Beverley Town too.
Eccleshill United, Campion and Route One Rovers all had their NCEL fixtures called off on Saturday due to the wet weather.
Steeton’s hopes of making the play-offs in the North West Counties Football League First Division North took a hit at the weekend after a disappointing 2-2 home draw against struggling Garstang.
The Chevrons dominated the first half, but they found themselves a goal down at the break.
Garstang went 2-0 up on the hour mark, only for Jake Townsend to quickly halve the deficit, with a stunning effort that he curled into the top corner.
And Townsend salvaged a point for Steeton when he equalised 20 minutes from time, heading home Aidan Kirby’s pinpoint cross.
Northern Premier League East Division strugglers Silsden and Brighouse Town both had their matches called off due to waterlogged pitches.
The Sils sit two points above the drop zone but Brig have now fallen into the relegation spots, as a result of Bishop Auckland’s 2-0 win over Heaton Stannington on Saturday.
Finally, Guiseley and Lancaster City played out a dull 0-0 draw at Nethermoor in dire conditions, the result meaning the hosts remain nine points off the play-offs in the NPL Premier Division.
