Boxing Day's First North review

Warrington Town gained another three valuable points in their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North promotion campaign with a battling 2-0 victory away at Prescot Cables on Boxing Day, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Despite being under pressure for long periods in the first half, Warrington kept the hosts at bay through a combination of good defending and poor finishing. A rare Wire attack five minutes before the break saw Liam Dawson make it 1-0 and the leaders were two-up seven minutes after the re-start after a foul on Scott Metcalfe, Ciaran Kilheeney slotting home the resultant penalty.

Warrington are four points clear of second-placed Curzon Ashton despite their 3-1 win at New Mills.

Ryan Brooke gave the visitors a great start with a goal inside the opening four minutes. Chris Baguley equalised on the quarter-hour mark, but Jonathan Hunt on 58 minutes and Brooke again eight minutes later sealed Curzon`s victory.

The Boxing Day fixture between Farsley and Harrogate Railway Athletic turned out to be a tale of three missed penalties in a 1-1 draw at Station View.

Robbie O’Brien was twice denied by Peter Crook from 12 yards whilst Colin Hunter also missed a spot-kick for the hosts just before the break. Adam Priestley was more successful from open play and gave Farsley the lead after 20 minutes but a quick response from Rob Youhill five minutes later ended up securing a point for Railway.

Two sides looking to mount play-off challenges, Lancaster City and Kendal Town, also shared the spoils at the Giant Axe.

In-form Danny Mitchley gave the visitors the lead immediately after half-time, only for Jordan Connerton to equalise within a minute. Garry Hunter gave the Dolly Bluesthe lead on 54 minutes but Jack Smith ensured parity for the Mintcakes 14 minutes from time.

A poor defensive performance undermined Salford City's chances at Ramsbottom United's Riverside home as the hosts remain in the play-off hunt.

Phil Dean and Lee Gaskell had Rammy two-up inside 13 minutes and then Dean added his second to make it 3-0 with only 21 minutes gone on the clock. Mark Battersby pulled two back for the Ammies in the 27th and 32nd minutes. However, Gaskell on 67 minutes and Grant Spencer from the spot five minutes from time sealed a 5-2 success for the hosts.

Ossett Town earned local bragging rights after a comfortable 4-1 win at Dimple Wells against bottom-markers Albion.

James Eyles gave the visitors an 11th minute lead that Niall O`Brien cancelled out within two minutes. Fernando Moke on 20 minutes and Eyles again 12 minutes later saw Town go into half-time 3-1 ahead, with Moke's second 15 minutes from the end confirming a comfortable win.

Northwich Victoria saw off Cammell Laird 3-0 at Flixton with goals from Alex Taylor just before half-time and then a Michael Clarke brace in the final five minutes.

Bamber Bridge edged out Mossley AFC by the odd goal in five at Seel Park, taking a 19th minute lead, courtesy of a Jerome Watt penalty.

Lewis Nightingale levelled nine minutes before half-time only for Curtis Thompson to restore Brig's lead five minutes after it. Watt's second of the game on 71 minutes made it 3-1, although Nightingale's second five minutes from time made for a nervy finale.

The Lancashire derby between Clitheroe and Padiham brought in 380 fans and saw the visiting Storks go home 3-2 winners.

Kieron Pickup gave Padiham an early fifth minute lead that Dean Overson doubled on 41 minutes. Ross Dent reduced the arrears a minute later, only for Louis Mayers to make it 3-1 on 65 minutes. Lloyd Dean's spot-kick pulled it back to 2-3 with 13 minutes to go, but the Storks held out.

The game between Darlington 1883 and Wakefield was off due to a frozen pitch.