March Town strengthen play-off bid and Wisbech Town guarantee league place for next season while Parson Drove slip up at home

March Town and Wisbech Town both achieved impressive draws this afternoon, while Parson Drove were beaten at home.

The Hares recovered from a 5-2 mauling at struggling Leicester Nirvana in midweek to earn a valuable point in a 1-1 draw at main United Counties League Premier South play-off rivals Newport Pagnell Town.

Ben Seymour-Shove gave March the lead after 26 minutes with his 12th of the campaign but Pagnell pulled back three minutes before the break when Kieran Barnes crossed for Ben Shepherd to score.

The draw keeps fifth place March, who occupy the final play-off spot, seven points ahead of Pagnell and on-form Yaxley, with eight games remaining.

Over in the United Counties League Premier North, Wisbech drew 1-1 at home to fourth place Melton Town.

Melton took the lead with a penalty after 23 minutes but Wisbech levelled a minute before the break with a great free kick from distance by Ethan Wilson, who along with Stamford loan player Joe Burgess went off injured.

The point keeps the Fenmen fourth from bottom but guarantees their safety for next season.

In the Eastern Counties League First Division North, Parson Drove slipped to 12th place after a 2-1 home defeat to Dussindale & Hellesden Rovers.

Dussindale took the lead after just five minutes but Drove levelled the scores from the penalty spot after 38 minutes, Matteo Perkins with his 16th of the season in just his 17th game. However, the visitors scored again ten minutes after the break to seal the victory.

Wisbech Town: George, Howe, Twite, Murphy, Mattless, O. Williams, Burgess (Roberts 45), Wilson (Ward 50), Frew, Challinor, A. Williams. Subs (not used): Murkin, Kacirek.

March Town: Gill, Bucciero, Edwards, Withers, Brumby, Whyatt, Burrows, Green, Rider, Foy, Seymour-Shove. Subs: Cavozzi, Biggs, Callaghan, Gillies, Pepper. Booked: Rider, Whyatt, Foy.

Parson Drove: Brazil, Jackson, Taylor, Miller, Robinson, Hunt, Castallan, Bilicz, Prentice, Perkins, Vincent. Subs: Adiado, Crombie, Hawes, Easey, Stewart.

March travel to play 13th place Cogenhoe United on Wednesday before a home game against 11th place Coventry United next Saturday.

Wisbech are at fellow strugglers Kimberley Miners Welfare next Saturday, while Parson Drove have a tough four days, travelling to second place Great Yarmouth Town on Wednesday before entertaining third place Stanway Pegasus on Saturday.