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NPL round-up | Hednesford increase lead at the top after sixth straight win

Despite the adverse weather conditions, eight games were played in the NPL Premier Division this weekend, with Hednesford Town left dancing in the rain after they extended their lead at the top of the table to four points.

The Pitmen won a sixth consecutive league game, coming out 1-0 victors at Ashton United thanks to a second-half effort from Ahkeem Rose.

Warrington Rylands, who were second before the weekend’s games, fell to fourth after a 3-1 loss at Stockton Town.

Second-half goals from Josh Scott and Jake Petitjean helped turn the tide for the Anchors after the scores were level at half-time.

After a nine-game unbeaten run, Rylands have now lost two on the bounce. Stockton remains four points off the top five, but have the games in hand to overtake Neil Reynolds’ side if they win them.

Lancaster City took Rylands’ place in the top two after they won impressively away at Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Goals from Bobby Bjork, Christian Sloan and a Steven Yawson double saw Jimmy Marshall’s side race into a 4-0 lead in just 28 minutes, and it was plain sailing from there.

James Morris’ second-half strike proved a mere consolation for Stocksbridge, who remain in the drop zone.

Elsewhere, Hebburn Town’s winning run was extended to six games, and they picked up a fifth clean sheet during those games too, with a 1-0 win away at Rushall Olympic.

The free-scoring Hornets had to wait until the 88th minute to break the deadlock, Joao Gomes scoring the winner which saw Daniel Moore’s side move up to third.

Rushall have slipped to 18th, just three clear of the relegation zone.

Bamber Bridge moved up to 12th thanks to a 1-0 home win against Prescot Cables, putting an end to their four-game losing run.

Archie Lang’s effort in the second half proved vital as the Brig handed Cables a second straight defeat to move above them.

Back near the top, FC United of Manchester won their first league game since the start of the month, running out 2-1 victors over Ilkeston Town at Broadhurst Park.

Adam Le Fondre opened the scoring in the first half, and Charlie Ennis doubled their advantage before the hour mark.

Jamie Walker pulled one back for Ilkeston, but the Robins were unable to grab a leveller, ending the game with 10 men as they fell to a fourth straight league defeat.

Goals were plentiful in a big battle down near the bottom, with four goals shared evenly between Leek Town and Workington at Harrison Park.

Connor Heath gave the hosts the lead, but Workington battled back to take the lead going into the break.

As it was looking increasingly likely that the Reds would be picking up a big away win, an 88th-minute own goal ensured that the points were shared, marking Workington’s third draw in four.

And the other game of the weekend ended goalless as Warrington Town continued their unbeaten run at the Cal.Delivery Stadium against Morpeth Town.

Despite the stalemate, the Yellows move up to eighth in the table, with Morpeth still occupying one of the relegation spots.

The day's other two scheduled games at Step 3 - Cleethorpes Town against Whitby Town and Hyde United's trip to Gainsborough Trinity - were postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Results - Saturday 29 November