Non-League: Stocksbridge PS 2, Bradford Park Avenue 2.

Avenue completed a good Christmas by taking their fourth point from the two holiday fixtures but it took an injury time equaliser from Dave Blair to ensure they got their just reward at Stocksbridge.

After leading the UniBond League Division One pace setters Lincoln a merry dance on Boxing Day, to run out 3-1 winners, Avenue faced a very different type of challenge from a side looking to leapfrog them in the table.

The visitors withstood a fierce opening ten minute spell from the Sheffield side then Ian Briggs, Chris Brandon and Dave Blair all tested home keeper Andy Carney before he was eventually beaten by an own goal on 25 minutes.

Blair began the move and Stephen Ball delivered the perfect cross for Briggs. His goalbound bullet header passed Carney before Andy Brownrigg sliced it into the net while attempting a clearance.

The villain turned hero when he levelled the scores less than two minutes later. Avenue keeper Karl Lenaghan dived to turn a Jamie Allen shot for a corner from the flag kick Brownrigg blasted home from five yards.

More pressure from the visitors followed but on a rare foray Stocksbridge took a surprise lead just 18 minutes from time. Midfielder Carl Calvert gathered the ball just inside Avenue's half and raced through to draw Lenaghan and steer home a 15-yard shot.

Avenue launched a desperate onslaught to retrieve the situation but had to wait until the eleventh hour for their deserts.

A half cleared corner just into stoppage time fell to Blair and he netted with a low shot through a crowded area.

Avenue's Division One rivals Farsley Celtic earned a point from a goalless home draw with promotion chasing Radcliffe Borough.

Following an uninspired first half Celtic created the better chances during the second half with Ian Blackstone, Scott Jackson and Robbie Whellans (twice) all being close to breaking the deadlock.

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