NPL round-up | Saturday 12 August

Danny Grainger's side thrashed Ashton United 5-0, with Scott Allison marking his 33rd birthday with a four-goal haul.

Sam Smith scored the other goal - midway through the first half to make it 3-0 - as the Reds enjoyed an afternoon to remember on their return to Step 3.

Hot on their heels are new-look Radcliffe, who were 4-0 winners away at Warrington Rylands.

All of their goals came in the first half, with Jude Oyibo scoring twice inside the opening 27 minutes before new signings Josh Hancock and Jordan Hulme got in on the act at Gorsey Lane.

Elsewhere in the division, last season's beaten play-off finalists Bamber Bridge endured a goalless draw at Matlock Town, and it was a similar scoreline at the Northolme as there was no separating Gainsborough Trinity and Marine.

Of the other newcomers to the Northern Premier League, Macclesfield and Ilkeston Town fared best, with both picking up wins on their travels.

Club-record signing Luke Duffy scored his first Silkmen goal as they won 2-0 at Bradford Park Avenue, and Ilkeston came from behind to pick up a 3-1 victory at Marske United.

At Broadhurst Park, FC United of Manchester eased past Worksop Town 3-0, with the damage done in the first half as the Reds led by two at the break.

There were also plenty of first half goals in the game between Basford United and Morpeth Town, with the pair playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Meanwhile, Lancaster City and Whitby Town both picked up 2-0 wins at home to Stafford Rangers and Atherton Collieries respectively.

Finally, Hyde United battled back to rescue a point at home to Guiseley, with Bailey Thompson's header cancelling out Lions defender Jameel Ible's first half opener.

Results - Saturday 12 August

Basford United 2-2 Morpeth Town
Bradford Park Avenue 0-2 Macclesfield
FC United of Manchester 3-0 Worksop Town
Gainsborough Trinity 0-0 Marine
Hyde United 1-1 Guiseley
Lancaster City 2-0 Stafford Rangers
Marske United 1-3 Ilkeston Town
Matlock Town 0-0 Bamber Bridge
Warrington Rylands 0-4 Radcliffe
Whitby 2-0 Atherton Collieries
Workington 5-0 Ashton United

Photo credit: Radcliffe