Christmas Monday's Premier Division review

Fortunately, one of those off wasn`t the table-topping derby at Croft Park between Blyth Spartans and Darlington 1883.

And a crowd of 1,876 saw a fine strike from Lee Gaskell in the 33rd minute for the Quakers separate the teams and push Darlington back into the top five.

Blyth still lead the table going into the New Year by five points, however, as second-placed Nantwich Town suffered a 3-1 defeat at Silverlands to a Buxton side now only two points off the top five.

Ashley Burbeary gave the Bucks a great start with a goal inside two minutes and Joel Bembo-Leta doubled that in the 40th minute.

But right on half-time a Myles Wright own goal put the Dabbers back into the game before Warren Burrell restored the home side`s two-goal cushion with 20 minutes remaining.

Salford City are now only three points behind Nantwich after the Ammies won 2-1 at Ewen Fields in front of 866 against Hyde United.

Jamie Poole gave the visitors a 23rd minute lead that he doubled just three minutes later. Shane Killock pulled the Tigers back into the game three minutes after that but the Ammies held firm for the points.

Hyde`s Tameside neighbours Ashton United are sixth, just a point behind Darlington after recording a 2-0 win at Llanellian Road against third-bottom Colwyn Bay.

Recent recruit Eddie Toner gave the visitors the lead two minutes before half-time and then Jason Gorton doubled their advantage 16 minutes from time.

Stourbridge recorded a Christmas `double` with a battling 2-1 win after coming from behind at Dales Lane against Rushall Olympic.

As with Boxing Day’s victory over Halesowen Town at the War Memorial Ground, Stourbridge found themselves behind early on as Malachi Lavelle-Moore converted Luke Benbow’s low cross from close range in the sixth minute.

However, parity was restored after 24 minutes through Junior Smikle’s first goal of the season. The hard-fought game was then settled with 64 minutes played as Justin Richards hammered the ball into the roof of the net after combining well with Karl Hawley.

Grantham Town earned bragging rights and pushed well clear of the drop zone after winning the A1 derby at The Meres against second-bottom Stamford AFC.

A crowd of 457 saw Rhys Lewis give the Gingerbreads an early fourth minute lead and Lee Shaw add a second after 22 minutes. Gregg Smith reduced the deficit with three minutes left to play, only for Stefan Bilyk to make it 3-1 in injury-time.

Frickley Athletic had to settle for a point from their trip to Whitby Town after Jacob Hazel put them ahead after just 11 minutes.

The fourth-bottom home side equalised from the penalty spot through Michael Roberts on the stroke of half-time.

Charlie Dawes' goal five minutes before the break eventually proved enough to earn Matlock Town victory at the New Manor Ground in front of 593 and dent Ilkeston FC`s play-off hopes.

Inconsistent Barwell, who won away on Boxing Day, suffered a 4-2 defeat at Kirkby Road against a Mickleover Sports side who are now ten points in front of the drop zone.

Zeph Thomas proved to be Sports` hero, netting a hat-trick with goals in the 12th, 67th and 80th minutes. Alex Tomkinson had equalised right on half-time for the Canaries and then Owen Story levelled again on 75 minutes before John McGrath added the visitors` fourth three minutes from time.

The other game on Monday saw Halesowen Town and Sutton Coldfield Town share a 2-2 draw at The Grove.

Ryan Edmunds gave the Royals a fourth minute lead that Kaiman Anderson levelled in first half stoppage time. Iyseden Christie restored Sutton Coldfield`s lead on 68 minutes, but Anderson`s second a minute from time salvaged a point for the Yeltz.

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