New Year's Day Premier Division action review

North Ferriby United extended their lead at the top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division table to seven points on New Year's Day after edging out Blyth Spartans 3-2 at home while second-placed Hednesford Town were beaten at home, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Ferriby took a 20th minute lead through on-loan striker Anthony Wilson, only for Ryan McGorrigan to equaliser nine minutes later. But Gregg Anderson after 53 minutes and Wilson again on 74 minutes, gave the leaders a 3-1 lead that McGorrigan cut with eight minutes remaining.

Rushall Olympic turned the tables on Hednesford at Keys Park as they bounced back from 2-0 and 3-1 down to claim a dramatic injury-time victory in front of a crowd of 698.

It was an astonishing comeback from Rushall, who found themselves two goals adrift at the interval and then 3-1 down 10 minutes into the second period against their championship-chasing neighbours. However, two goals in two minutes from the Pics after the Pitmen were reduced to ten-men and an injury-time winner from Dave Walker capped an amazing second period at Keys Park.

Rushall were behind as early as the eight minute as Elliott Durrell consummately converted a penalty after Ramone Stephens had felled Nathan Woolfe in the box. Then, Neil Harvey compounded matters further for the Pics 13 minutes later with a sample tap in from a pin-point centre from strike partner Aaron Rey.

Seven minutes following the restart and the visitors gave themselves a foot hold back into the contest as a flag-kick from Kyle Haynes was headed powerfully home by skipper Wayne Daniel.

The Pitmen regained their two-goal advantage prior to the hour-mark as Ben Bailey headed in a free-kick from Woolfe. But on 69 minutes Hednesford were down to ten-men as Francino Francis received a red card for hauling down Ahmed Obeng on his way through on goal, substitute Joel Purkiss converting the resulting free-kick around the defensive wall.

Within two minutes Rushall restored parity as Town defender Sam Barnes missed a header, allowing Walker to latch on to the loose ball and clinically slot home past debutante custodian Steve Dickinson.

As the enthralling encounter moved deep into injury-time, the visitors shocked their hosts as top scorer Walker found a way through to rifle in his brace and give his side a memorable victory.

Third-placed Marine started 2013 with a defeat, going down 4-0 to AFC Fylde at the Arriva Stadium with Harry Winter bagging a brace. Adam Farrell and Michael Barnes sandwiched his efforts.

Fourth-placed Witton Albion were also unable to win, drawing 2-2 at Wincham Park with Nantwich Town in front of a crowd of 526.

Steve Foster gave Albion the elad just before half-time, but Lewis Short equalised on 71 minutes for the Dabbers. Anthony Gardner's 85th minute penalty looked to have won it for the hosts until Sean Cooke popped up with a stoppage time leveller.

Fifth-placed Worksop Town made it an exceptionally good day for North Ferriby as they were also beaten – 2-1 at the New Manor Ground by Ilkeston FC in front of 672.

Aaron Hooton broke the deadlock by giving the Robins a 65th minute lead, but big Tom Denton seemingly earned the Tigers a point with an 84th minute equaliser, only for Laurie Wilson to pounce for Ilkeston in injury-time.

Ashton United in sixth place could only manage a goalless draw at home to Stafford Rangers, while Frickley Athletic's away hoodoo continued as they threw away a 1-0 lead to go down 4-1 at Whitby Town.

Jake Picton headed the Blues into the lead on the half-hour mark only for Craig Farrell to equalise just before half-time. Farrell went on to score twice more in the second half to notch a hat-trick while Ashley Corker added the other Whitby goal.

Chorley won 4-1 at struggling Kendal Town with Andy Teague bagging a brace, Andy Russell and Adam Roscoe singles.

Grantham Town hammered basement side Eastwood Town 4-0 at The Meres with a goal from Jamie McGhee and two from Ben Saunders in the opening 45 minutes. Sam Saunders completed the scoring on 77 minutes.

Matlock Town and Buxton shared a 1-1 Causeway Lane draw in which Dave Haggerty gave the Bucks an 18th minute lead that Lewis McMahon cancelled out after 33 minutes.

New Year's Day only weather casualty came at Stocksbridge Park Steels where their fixture against FC United of Manchester was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.