Newark Town 1-1 Retford United: Nathan Arnold's Blues record highest gate of the season in CMFL Premier Division North title clash with Retford Utd

Newark Town recorded their highest gate of the season as they drew 1-1 with Retford United in what could prove to be a pivotal point in the title run-in.

A crowd of 311 turned out at the YMCA as Town returned to the top of the CMFL Premier Division North, level on points with Clay Cross Town, who they face on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Blues boss Nathan Arnold said he was pleased with both the performance and the attendance.

"It was a good advert for step seven football," Arnold said.

"We saw two strong teams leaving it all out there.

"I'm proud of my players.

"We were not at our fluent best but we showed lots of grit and determination and we are back to the top of the league with three games to go.

"Thank you for the local support."

Town had the better of the opening exchanges and could have taken the lead after four minutes when Kosi Nwobi played Ainsley Finney through, but the Retford 'keeper did well to smoother the shot.

The Blues made no mistake four minutes later when a counter-attack saw Lewis Chambers play in Finney, who coolly converted from ten yards.

Retford United, vocal in their efforts to get back into the game, responded immediately as they forced a corner with their first bit of productive play from kick-off.

The resulting set-piece saw Mark West beat James Gardner in the air from inside the six yard box to equalise with ten minutes on the clock.

Midway through the half, West could have had his second but a strong save from Town 'keeper Harry Haywood denied the prolific forward.

Level at the break, Town had the best two chances in the second half.

In the 63rd minute, a super save from Thomas Crosby denied Nwobi's volley from the edge of the box.

Then, in the 70th minute, the final big chance fell to Chambers, who failed to test the goalkeeper after getting on the end of Abdul-Raheem Sunmonu's cross.

Down the road at Station Road, Collingham earned their tenth league win of the season, beating Kiveton Miners Welfare 2-0.

Dan Evans opened the scoring in the first half, heading home James Evans' long throw-in.

The second came after the break as Kirk doubled Collingham's lead.

Gary Clark's side travel to AFC Bentley on Saturday (3pm kick-off).