Fightback sees Lichfield City extend lead at summit

The win, coupled with setbacks for closest challengers Brocton and Shifnal Town, means Ivor Green's team are now clear favourites to claim top spot and automatic promotion from the Premier Division.

Lichfield were made to work all the way by a determined Swifts team, who took the lead just after half-time when Joe Phillips converted Ryan Snape’s cross.

Callum Griffin levelled things up for the leaders, with Joseph Haines then grabbing the winner with 17 minutes remaining.

The significance of the goal and the result grew further when it emerged Shifnal had drawn 0-0 at 1874 Northwich, while Brocton had been thumped 5-1 at AFC Wulfrunians.

It marked a sharp reversal of fortune for Brocton, who had put eight past Tividale the previous weekend.

This they were on the receiving end and boss Alex Curtis, who did not mince his words when giving an assessment of the performance.

He said: “We were beaten by much the better side. The scoreline didn’t flatter them at all.

“They wanted it a lot more than us, they were tenacious off the ball. Our work off the ball, our desire just wasn’t there. We didn’t create a lot which was disappointing.”

For Wulfrunians, by contrast, the result was comfortably among their best of the season.

Kie Houlihan netted twice in the first half, the second within two minutes of Christian Blanchette levelling things up for the visitors.

Goals from Jake Lloyd, Ryan Bright and Nana Owusu-Gyimah then took the game away from Brocton in the second half.

Dudley Town’s already slim hopes of a top-five finish were dealt a blow as they went down 2-1 at Atherstone. 

The hosts are now 10 points ahead of the Robins, with three matches in hand thanks to goals from Jacob Shilton and Ryan Harkin. Matt Funge pulled one back for the visitors but they could not find a leveller.

Wolves Casuals remain deep in relegation danger after a 1-0 home defeat to Romulus.

Lewis Wall grabbed the winner as Bilston Town claimed a thrilling 3-2 win over Gornal Athletic to keep their Division One play-off chances very much alive.

Early goals from Eesa Sawyers and Tarique Hunter appeared to have Bilston cruising but they were indebted to Wall after Luke Sidaway and Brad Welding had brought the visiting Peacocks level.

“At 2-0 you thought it might be an easy afternoon for once but that never seems to be the way with us!” said boss Mike Dunn.

Bilston are now just three points behind fifth-placed Cradley Town, who were beaten 3-1 at home by runaway leaders Nuneaton Town despite a brave effort.

The Hammers led through Callum North’s opener heading into the final 20 minutes before being overpowered.

“Nuneaton are the best team in the division by far but for 75 minutes we were outstanding,” said boss Stu How.

Smethwick Rangers remain in the hunt after a 2-0 win over Saffron Dynamo.

Stafford Town left it late to come from behind and beat Ramsbottom United in the quarter-finals of the North West Counties League Macron Cup.

Trailing to Richard Baker’s 48th minute strike, Jayden Hunter levelled in the 84th minute before Scott Wilding grabbed a dramatic late winner five minutes into stoppage time.

Eccleshall beat New Mills 2-0 in Division One South thanks to goals from Macauley Taylor and Kieran Lazenby.