SATURDAY FOOTBALL '“ Steelmen suffer a crucial defeat, Diamonds lose again while Poppies are held

The Bucks had previously been one of the other strugglers in the division but this was their fourth win in a row and it has left the Steelmen six points adrift of safety with just eight games left to play.

The Steelmen fell behind to a Josh Wilson header after 27 minutes at the New Bucks Head.

And the crucial second goal came with 21 minutes to go when Lucas Dawson converted from the spot after a harsh penalty was awarded against Tommy Wright’s men.

The game was up soon after when Izak Reid scored at the far post to make it 3-0.

Corby now face a pivotal clash with second-from-bottom Hednesford Town at Steel Park next Saturday.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds’ promotion hopes took another hit after they slipped to a fourth successive defeat.

Uxbridge grabbed a dramatic late goal to secure a 2-1 victory at the Dog & Duck.

Diamonds dropped to fifth in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central as a result and are now facing a fight to book a play-off place having been in contention for the title just a few weeks ago.

Diamonds fell behind in the second half when Ben Peden was allowed to run too far before firing a low 20-yard shot into the bottom corner.

The hosts did grab their first goal in four games, however, when Elliot Sandy grabbed his first for the club after beating the offside trap and finishing well.

But Uxbridge scored the winner in stoppage-time when Wayne Carter nodded home from close-range after Matt Finlay had made an outstanding save from Anthony O’Connor.

Kettering Town’s play-off ambitions in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division suffered a setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly St Neots Town at Latimer Park.

After a goalless first half, the Poppies fell behind early in the second half as former Kettering man Drew Roberts gave St Neots the lead.

It didn’t last long, however, as Will Grocott pulled Kettering level with a fine volley.

However, they were unable to find a winner and now sit seven points off the top five, although they still have games in hand on those around them.