Football: Dyers Arms close in on leaders

DYERS Arms moved up to second in the Premier Division after sharing the honours with Unicorn in a 10-goal thriller.

Steve Connolly swept the lowly visitors into a two-goal lead, but Dyers hit back with two strikes from Andy Graham.

Sean Cardall restored Unicorn's advantage, but Graham was on the mark again on the stroke of half-time. Steve Byram converted a 65th-minute penalty before Gareth Bratt's fifth five minutes later appeared to have earned Unicorn their first win of the season.

But Dyers fought back, with Gary McDermott first reducing the arrears and then Graham levelling from the spot to claim his fourth goal in the last minute.

Valiant stay in fourth place despite a 3-2 win over Powys Arms. They needed to work hard for maximum points and were indebted to Ricky Mallen, who levelled Sean Key's opener.

Richard Smith edged Valiant ahead only for Dave Turner to grab an equaliser.

But Mallen kept his cool to convert a late penalty for Valiant.

Division One leaders Mucky Duck extended their lead at the top of the table by beating lowly Wellington 3-1 with goals from Ashley Hooley, Sam Tomson and James Scragg.

Elsewhere, Wetton and Durham Ox fought out a 3-3 draw with Lee Ward netting twice for Wetton.

And AC Bird in Hand and Horseshoe Inn also couldn't be separated as Rod Needham's opener was cancelled out by Wayne Stevenson's penalty for the Horseshoe.

Meanwhile, Vale Hoppers cruised past D and C Athletic by a 4-2 margin in the Macclesfield and District Cup, helped by a brace from Matt McBride.