Steelmen, Doughboys and Diamonds all deliver huge wins on a super Saturday

It was a great day all round as Corby Town, Wellingborough Town and AFC Rushden & Diamonds all secured crucial wins in the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division on Saturday.

The Steelmen are back up to sixth and within a point of the play-offs after Leon Mettam celebrated his first game as permanent boss with an excellent 2-1 win at second-placed Belper Town.

Sam Warburton celebrates after scoring for Corby Town in their 2-1 win at Belper Town (Picture: Jim Darrah)

placeholder image — Sam Warburton celebrates after scoring for Corby Town in their 2-1 win at Belper Town (Picture: Jim Darrah)

Hot on their heels are the in-form Doughboys, who made it seven matches unbeaten with a 3-0 win at Lichfield City, and Jake Stone's side are now seventh - two points outside the top five.

Diamonds were 2-0 winners over Sutton Coldfield Town at Hayden Road, a win that sees them rise to 12th in the table, and to within five points of the play-offs.

The Diamonds players celebrate Bruno Andrade's late strike in the 2-0 win over Sutton Coldfield Town (Picture: Shaun Frankham)

Elliot Sandy's side handed a debut to high profile new signing John-Joe O'Toole, and the former Cobblers man played a part in the opening goal after just three minutes, which was scored by fellow debut maker and Northampton loanee Joziah Barnett.

Diamonds then sealed the points with a second from Bruno Andrade eight minutes from time.

Skipper Jack O'Connor was the Doughboys' goal star as they secured a comprehensive win at Lichfield, the central defender scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the space of 11 second half minutes.

The first came on 57 minutes, he doubled his tally six minutes later and then added the third on 68 minutes.

The Steelmen had to battle back from being a goal down at half-time to secure their win at Belper, with Boston United loan man Sam Warburton scoring both of their goals.

The leveller came on 66 minutes, and Warburton then notched what proved to be the winner nine minutes later.

Corby and Diamonds have the chance to enhance their play-off credentials even further in the coming days as they both have midweek matches.

Diamonds entertain third-placed Anstey Nomads at Hayden Road on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm), while the Steelmen entertain ninth-placed Coleshill Town at Steel Park on Wednesday night. The Doughboys have a free week.