Penistone Church continued their flying start to the NCEL Premier Division season with a 5-2 home win over Pickering Town.

Sam Scrivens opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time then added another with Nathan Keightley netting a second half hat-trick. Pickering came back from 3-0 down to 3-2 but conceded twice late on.

Church have won three in a row and have 22 points from ten games. They are six points clear in the only automatic promotion place but have played the most games in the division with teams below them having several games in hand.

Co-manager Steve Lenthall said: “We had a really positive second half but I was disappointed with the way we conceded so we’ll be working on that. But while our front line are working as they are, we’re always going to be in and around games to score more than we concede.

“It’s another massive three points for us, we’ve six players out injured but we have depth in the squad. We’re bringing the young ones through and they’re really stepping up and doing themselves, the club and us proud. It’s what we have worked on, bringing the youth through from the under 21s and the reserves and they’re doing well for the club.”

Premier Division leaders Wombwell Town drew 2-2 at Louth Town. Gavin Allott - with a penalty after a foul on Josh Nodder - and Eddie Agnew put them ahead twice but Louth levelled including in the 89th minute. Town remain top with 23 points from nine games, a point clear in first place.

Dearne and District are third after a 1-1 draw at Club Thorne Colliery. Jake Phillis scored an early penalty but the hosts levelled on 75 minutes.

Athersley Rec moved up to fourth with a 3-1 win over Glasshoughton Welfare. Carter Tingle and Nathan Perks put the Penguins 2-0 up then, after the visitors scored a penalty, Bailey Wright secured the win late on.

Worsbrough Bridge were denied a first win after they lost a 2-0 lead in a 2-2 draw at Ilkley Town. Tom Bishop and Jake Squires scored but Ilkley netted on 75 and 80 minutes.