Boxing Day's Premier Division review

The bad weather came late enough for all-bar one of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division Boxing Day fixtures to take place, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Only Ramsbottom United's home game with Ashton United fell victim of a waterlogged pitch while leaders Skelmersdale United maintained their six-point lead at the top of the table after winning the derby at Stormy Corner against second-bottom Marine AFC.

Connor McCarthy gave Skem a 22nd minute lead that Danny Mitchley doubled eight minutes before half-time. Mitchley made it game over when he scored the home side`s third with 11 minutes to go, although Lloyd Ellams did manage a last-gasp consolation for the Mariners, who are an alarming eighth points adrift of the safety-mark.

Buxton won the A6 derby at Silverlands 3-2 against a Matlock Town side who find themselves back in the bottom four.

But they took a 16th minute lead through Corey Gregory and then doubled that through Mickey Harcourt. Liam Hardy crucially reduced the deficit on the half-hour mark and as the weather worsened in the second period, Hardy equalised seven minutes in and then Mark Reed won it for the Bucks with 14 minutes to go.

Ilkeston FC moved into third spot after edging out bottom-markers Belper Town by the odd goal in five at Christchurch Meadow.

Similar to Buxton, the Robins had to come back from being 2-0 down to win. In front of a decent crowd of 556, the Nailers dominated the play to lead through Liam Goulding after six minutes and Rob Stevenson on the half-hour mark.

But then two goals in three minutes just past the hour-mark from Rob Duffy – the second from the penalty spot – pulled Ilkeston FC back on level terms. And the experienced former Rushden & Diamonds and Grimsby Town striker won it by completing his hat-trick in the 73rd minute.

Kevin Wilson`s side moved above Curzon Ashton after they suffered a 4-0 drubbing by new tenants FC United of Manchester at the Tameside Stadium.

A crowd of 1,100 saw Tom Greaves crucially give the Reds the lead right on the half-time whistle. Matthew Wolfenden added a second on 65 minutes and Dean Stott`s 76th minute spot-kick ended the game as a contest, with Greaves scoring his second and FC United`s fourth in stoppage time.

Barwell moved level on points with inactive fifth-placed Ashton United after edging a seven-goal thriller against King`s Lynn Town at Kirkby Road.

The Canaries raced into a 3-0 lead with goals from Anthony Carney after 10, 15 and 20 minutes – his hat-trick being completed from the spot. George Thomson reduced the arrears three minutes later, but Jamie Towers made it 4-1 with five minutes of the first half to go.

Gregg Smith pulled a second back for the Linnets 10 minutes after half-time and David Bridges made Barwell nervy in the final 13 minutes, but they held on for three important points.

Workington AFC missed the chance to put pressure on the teams above them when going down to a 1-0 defeat to Blyth Spartans at Croft Park, Robbie Dale`s 17th minute penalty proving decisive in the end in front of 508.

Despite all their off-field problems, Grantham Town are still only three points behind the play-off places and earned a point from a 1-1 draw at the Zeeco Arena against Stamford AFC in front of a good crowd of 647 at the Daniels` new ground.

Lewis Carr gave the home side a 25th minute lead that Daniel Cockerline cancelled out with 12 minutes to go.

Witton Albion moved three points clear of the drop zone and over visiting Cheshire neighbours Nantwich Town after a comprehensive 3-0 Wincham Park victory.

Danny Andrews gave the hosts a 112th minute lead that Jamie Rainford added to right on half-time. Rainford`s second 12 minutes after half-time ensured the points stayed at home.

The biggest crowd of the day was at Amblecote for the derby between Stourbridge and Halesowen Town with 1,642 in attendance.

The two teams are still in top five contention after sharing a 1-1 draw in which the Yeltz`s Curtis Tilt scored at both ends. He inadvertedly gave the Glassboys an 11th minute lead and then equalised with 15 minutes to go.

Trafford were sunk deeper into trouble at the bottom after a 3-0 home defeat to mid-table Rushall Olympic, whose Gavin Caines opened the scoring in the 36th minute.

Aaron Williams then bagged a brace in the 70th and 72nd minutes to seal victory for the Pics.

The other game between Frickley Athletic and Whitby Town ended all-square at one apiece, Matty Bloor giving the hosts a 20th minute lead that Richard Pell levelled seven minutes before half-time.