New Year's Day Premier Division action review

All-bar two of the scheduled matches in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division went ahead on New Year`s Day but it tutned out to be a bad start to 2015 for leaders Skelmersdale United, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

They suffered a 2-1 defeat at Borough Park by a Workington AFC side who are now only two points off a top five spot in seventh.

A crowd of 382 in poor weather saw Jake Simpson give the Reds a 24th minute lead. Scott Bakkor equalised nine minutes after half-time but the Cumbrians won it with a 63rd minute Connor Tinnion effort.

Second-placed Buxton`s game at Ilkeston FC was one of two off – the other being at Matlock Town – but third-placed Curzon Ashton could only manage one point from their Tameside derby at Hurst Cross against Ashton United.

Martin Pilkington put Ashton in front after just 7 minutes, only for Niall Cummins to level two minutes later. The next goal though didn`t arrive until 12 minutes from time, courtesy of the visitors' Ryan Brooke. However, Dale Johnson earned parity with an 87th minute equaliser for Ashton.

Meanwhile, at Curzon`s Tameside Stadium, fifth-placed FC United of Manchester attracted 1,940 for the derby with Trafford and ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Craig Lindfield gave the Reds a 15th minute lead that Matty Walwyn eventually doubled 14 minutes from time, with Tom Greaves adding a third in the final minute.

Barwell`s top five hopes took a severe blow when they lost 4-1 at The Grove against improving Halesowen Town.

Aaron Daniels gave the Yeltz an early eighth minute lead, but it wasn’t until the hour-mark that they were able to relax a little when Iyesden Christie doubled their advantage from the penalty spot and then Aaron Forde added a third two minutes later.

Anthony Carney reduced the arrears with a third goal in six minutes but Elliott Turner made sure with Halesowen`s fourth 11 minutes from time.

A crowd of 525 saw King's Lynn Town keep their hopes of mounting a play-off challenge alive after a 1-0 win against Stamford AFC, courtesy of Gregg Smith`s goal on the hour-mark.

At the opposite end of the table, Witton Albion pulled six points clear of the drop one after beating another of the strugglers, Marine AFC, 1-0 at the Arriva Stadium – former Mariner Jamie Rainford scoring the all-important goal with 14 minutes to go.

Fifth-bottom Frickley Athletic earned a useful point from a 1-1 draw at The Meres against Grantham Town.

Luke Hinsley broke the deadlock to give the Blues a 55th minute lead that Michael Emmott cancelled out 12 minutes later.

Rushall Olympic moved to within two points of twelfth-placed Stourbridge after a 3-0 Dales Lane victory.

Kris Taylor gave the Pics a 39th minute lead that Jake Heath doubled right on half-time. Aaron Williams scored the Pics` third with eight minutes remaining.

Nantwich Town eased their relegation fears after edging out mid-table Ramsbottom United by the odd goal in five at the Weaver Stadium.

Jon Robinson gave Rammy a 14th minute lead that Aaron Burns levelled in the 31st minute. Veteran Steve Jones added a second for the Dabbers seven minutes later and Burns` second on the hour-mark gave them a two-goal cushion that Phil Dean reduced nine minutes from time.