DEFEAT at the home of Mercian Elgar Junior League title rivals, Newtown U-13s, left Norton Rangers sweating on the outcome of their championship destiny.

It proved a controversial night last Wednesday when, after Newtown took the lead with a goal that the visiting keeper let slip through his hands, Rangers received a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty.

The shot from player of the match, James Muddiman, smacked against the underside of the bar and hit the goalkeeper before the penalty taker fired in the rebound. The referee, though, disallowed the goal saying the ball had to touch another player before the taker could hit it again!

Shane Turley and Tristan Buckleigh were both denied by the Newtown keeper and six corners came to nothing as Rangers surged forward in search of an equaliser.

Norton paid the price for their enterprise when the hosts broke away to grab a second in stoppage time and leave the title in the melting pot.

Credit was then due to the Norton lads for raising their game sufficiently to bag three more points after a 10-1 win at Pershore on Sunday.

It was a game Rangers completely dominated and the goals came from Buckleigh (3), Muddiman, Ashley Knight (3), Matthew Williams (2) and Joe Mulrennan.

Dale Attwood, the provider of many scoring chances, was named player of the match.

Norton entertain Worcester Juniors in Sunday's crunch game, kick off 2.30pm.

PEOPLETON completed their season in fine style, taking six points from the match played as a double-header.

Lea Miller found the net twice in the opening contest before players were restored to their regular slots and the goals flowed.

Miller grabbed a hat-trick to add to goals from Andy Lamb, Luke Radford and Dean Cloke as Peopleton finished fourth in the table to exceed early season expectations for the newly formed side.