SLEAFORD TOWN battled against the odds to deny Daventry Town the chance to claim the United Counties League Premier Division title.

Brian Rowland's patched-up side shocked their lofty opponents with an injury-time winner from Ryan Oliver, writes Lloyd Harmston.

Requiring three points to seal the championship, and with the trophy and league officials in residence awaiting the final whistle, Daventry went two goals up by the break and were well on their way to winning the game.

Sleaford had other ideas, though, and staged an amazing come-back in the second half.

Rowland was overjoyed.

"This was the best result for years and proof yet again, if any proof were needed, that nothing in this game of football is a forgone conclusion," said Rowland.

"We were under the cosh for much of the time, but defended well and then set up the fight-back.

"The players brought into the side responded to my call magnificently while Andrew Scott was again superb in goal."

Daventry went all out for the points right from the first whistle, with centre-forward and leading scorer Tom Berwick and big Russ Dunkley causing the Sleaford defence all kinds of problems.

Goalkeeper Andrew Scott was in splendid form and he pulled off a series of vital saves.

However, the home side broke through twice before half-time, opening the scoring on 17 minutes when a good run on the left and a penetrating cross, brought a header into the net by Ryan Howell.

On 29 minutes the lead was doubled, as a long ball through the middle caught out the Town back line and Berwick scored with a good finish.

The home side were not helped by the dismissal of centre-half Aaron Parkinson just before the interval, but the turning point came in the second half when Rowland decided upon his substitutions.

Before then, defender Temi Ajimoko pulled a goal back, cracking in a powerful drive after a cross from Jamie McCormack.

Town had two strong appeals for penalties turned down, but with the game drifting towards its conclusion and eight minutes of normal time remaining, substitute Charlie Ward crossed for Scott Wilson to equalise from close range.

Three minutes into added time, a long ball from Ajimoko found Oliver, who turned smartly and made for goal.

With the keeper advancing and under pressure from both sides, Oliver kept his composure and slotted in the winner.

SLEAFORD TOWN: Scott, Cope, T Ward, Ajimoko, Walters, McCormack, P Ward, Giles, Shaw, Oliver, Tunstall. Subs: Wilson, Vertigan, C Ward.