Christmas Sunday's Premier Division review

The EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division fixtures on Sunday were hit hard by the overnight frost and snow, losing seven of eleven scheduled matches, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

However, leaders Skelmersdale United's trip to the Riverside to play mid-table Ramsbottom United was one of the survivors and Tommy Lawson's side made the most of it by winning 3-0 to take a nine-point lead into the New Year.

Aidan Kirkbride gave Skem the lead after 29 minutes and seven minutes later Danny Mitchley doubled their advantage from the penalty spot. Mitchley completed his second successive brace with the third goal five minutes from time.

FC United of Manchester attracted the biggest crowd of the day when they travelled to The Walks to take on King`s Lynn Town.

The crowd of 1,187 saw the visitors break the deadlock in the sixth minute of time added on in the opening period when Tom Greaves fired home. That lead was extended when defender Lewis Lacy met a corner and smashed the ball into the top corner in the 70th minute.

Davis Bridges’ header at the death offered some hope of a late comeback but it never arrived and FC United are now just a point off the play-off places.

Marine AFC started the day second-bottom when they travelled down to The Grove to take on mid-table Halesowen Town.

But the Mariners shocked their hosts with a 2-0 success in which Karl Clair gave them a 31st minute lead. Lloyd Ellams maintained his recent good scoring form with a crucial second with 17 minutes remaining.

Whitby Town were the only side to win at home, edging out Blyth Spartans 1-0 at the Turnbull Ground in front of a crowd of 584 when former Spartan Richard Pell struck two minutes from time to win the EVO-STIK NPL's North East derby.