Boss steps down at Parkgate

The Steelmen have had a season of struggle and Saturday's 6-0 beating at the hands of Thackley was their eighth loss on the spin in the NCEL Premier, dropping them into the bottom two.

Shelton met with chairman Albert Dudhill after the game and his departure leaves the club is searching for its third manager in less than two months.

Graham Nicholas, who helped save the club from relegation, last season, resigned in October admist pressing work commitments.

Shelton, his assistant, took over on a caretaker basis initially and was confirmed as permanent manager on November 1 but has been unable to stop the slide.

The club said in statement: "We would like to thank Ross for his efforts as manager and are as disappointed as Ross that recent results have not gone as well as both parties had hoped."

Gate's next match is at home to Hemsworth MW on Saturday (3pm).