Alfreton 2, Eccleshill Utd 1- Eccleshill United almost turned the Northern Counties East table on its head when they came within seconds of causing an upset by holding the leaders to a home draw.

Instead, a penultimate minute winner sent them on the journey back to Bradford with nothing but thoughts of what could have been.

They are still in the relegation places, while the Derbyshire outfit are doubtless reflecting on their five-point lead.

"It was a vastly improved performance, but we were very disappointed not get something from the game," said joint boss Martin Pattison.

"Gary Shaw scored a super goal for us midway through the first half, and we were looking good. To come out of a three- week lay-off and have to travel to a team like Alfreton is not easy, but we matched them - it was a really promising performance.

"It would have been nice to come away with a deserved point. Their keeper made a great save from Gary after they had made it 1-1 and another fine stop later on. To be beaten by an 89th-minute goal is sickening."

Shaw, on loan from Farsley Celtic, was playing up front in the absence of suspended leading scorer Karl Cochrane. He made his stunning contribution in the 18th minute, dancing round three players on the edge of the area before rifling in a low shot.

Just before the hour, Alfre-ton's new signing Mick Godber grabbed the leveller and Steve Johnson stabbed home the winner in a goalmouth scramble to break United's hearts.

To add to their woes they ended the game with ten men after striker Ian Heppinstall was sent off. He had been shown a yellow card in the first half, but his coming suspension could be lengthy because the referee indicated the dismissal was for violent conduct.

United had just gone behind when Heppinstall's frustration surfaced. He was shaping to take a throw-in and hurled the ball at an opponent who was taking his time to retreat the required distance.