Drayton proving effective on away days

And 'the Gingerbreads' will be happy it's effectively an away fixture after Saturday's well-deserved Evo-Stik First Division South draw at Coalville Town.

They made nonsense of a 0-0 scoreline by hitting the woodwork three times, underlined how Town can be at their most formidable on the road.

They've now taken points from four of the league's current top six – Stafford Rangers, Coalville, Lincoln United and Chasetown – on their own territory.

It's a record Martyn Davies reckons best illustrates his main achievements as manager, saying: "More than anything, I think it demonstrates how much we've progressed in a year.

"We've proved, not a streaky once or twice, but four times – and a lot more, really – that we can go and compete against the best in our league on their terms.

"That's an immense difference in outlook and self-belief, to say nothing of ability. Drawing at Coalville took us to 37 points, which matches our total for all last season.

"But the great thing is we've now got 16 games still to go – and I firmly believe that we have it in us to move on and do even better in them."

Shawbury United winger Matt Ballard kept a clean sheet after playing in goal in his side's goalless West Midlands League Premier Division draw with Black Country Rangers.

The league leaders were without Ross Bebb (unavailable), Nick Ashley (flu) and Ash Spittlehouse (work).

Boss Dave Richards said: "I'm pleased to go unbeaten as we had a few players missing. Matty had to play in goal but pulled off a great save in the dying minutes.

"Obviously. it's been a difficult January with having players missing through injury, work, etc. But I'm really pleased with picking up seven points from our last three games."

Haughmond staged a great fightback to keep up the pressure at the top of the division.

Matt Burton's side trailed 2-0 at Gornal Athletic but rallied to win 4-2 and cut the gap on Shawbury to one point.

The visitors, who had new signing Dave Howells making his debut after signing dual forms from Wulfrunians, found themselves behind after five minutes.

Sloppy play in midfield compounded by poor defending allowed Liam Hickman to scramble the ball home.

The away side had much of the possession in the first half but Gornal were happy to sit back and Haughmond created little in front of goal.

Their afternoon got worse in the second period when Hickman netted his second with a great finish.

Haughmond needed a spark and Kevin Renshaw, Ben Matthews and Dave Howells were all introduced from the bench.

The change paid off immediately as Dean Richards pulled one back and five minutes later Steve Hole bagged an equaliser.

The turnaround was complete when Renshaw slotted home from 10 yards to complete an incredible spell for the visitors of three goals in 15 minutes.

Hole completed the scoring when he netted from the penalty spot, after Adam Davies had been hauled down.

Ellesmere Rangers picked up maximum points with a 3-2 success at home to Wolverhampton Casuals, but Wellington Amateurs went down 3-0 at Dudley Town.

St Martins made it four wins in a row during January as they moved up to third with a 3-2 success at Darlaston.

It has been a terrific spell for the Saints, who have enjoyed their best ever spell of results since their promotion to the league.

It's also coincided with the appointment of Mike Barton as assistant boss to manager Ryan Butcher.

Both sides had their chances, with the hosts twice hitting the post. But St Martins created the greater opportunities as they ran out deserving winners.

They were ahead on 25 minutes when a short corner on the right was played to Shin Miah who crossed for Jamie Hands to drive a low shot into the net from the edge of the box.

That was how it stayed up to half-time, although the visitors felt they had enough chances to have been further ahead at the break.

But they doubled the lead five minutes into the second period when Shawn Melusi crossed from the left for Karl Bailey to finish off.

Darlaston hit back to reduce the arrears on 70 minutes through Leon Taylor, but from their next attack the Saints restored their two-goal cushion with the goal of the game as Melusi smashed home an unstoppable volley.

The home side were back in the hunt after grabbing a second goal through Tyrone Atkinson following some slack defending to make for a tense finish.

But the visitors held firm to ensure their winning run continued. Still in with a chance of promotion, they host Kington Town on Saturday.

Ludlow failed to score for the second game running as they were held to a goalless draw at home to Wyrley.

The league leaders should have been refreshed as they were playing their first game for a fortnight since the 2-0 defeat to St Martins.

But they failed to create too many clear-cut chances and rarely looked like breaking through a solid visiting defence.

Division Two table-toppers Newport Town enjoyed a 4-2 home victory over Powick Rangers, a result that means they are still unbeaten and leaves them 10 points clear of second-placed Old Wulfrunians.

Telford Juniors jumped up to fourth place after an impressive 4-1 win at Red Star Alma. Alex Nolan bagged a brace while Russell Grainger and Dan Smart also netted.