NPL round-up | Saturday 30 September

Despite a dominant 4-1 win over Atherton Collieries last weekend, the Holy Blues could not overturn Remaye Campbell’s first half hat-trick, as new Lions manager James Jepson’s quest for survival in the Premier Division gets underway.

Elsewhere, a second half goal from Luke Cox helped Ilkeston Town extend their unbeaten run to four games with a 1-0 victory over Bamber Bridge.

Workington moved up to fifth in the table with a win over FC United of Manchester at Borough Park in front of over 1,000 spectators.

After an evenly contested tie, Sam Smith broke the deadlock 67 minutes into the game, before Kitt Nelson added the Reds’ second of the afternoon shortly after that.

Neil Reynolds’ side would earn a consolation prize when Sam Smith turned the ball into his net four minutes into injury time, but it was too late for them to mount a comeback, leaving them five points adrift from the nearest play-off spot in 13th place.

Matlock Town bounced back from their defeat in midweek with a victory on the road at Marske United.

Jonathon Margetts opened the proceedings after 13 minutes when he converted from the spot for his 11th goal of the season.

John Johnston added the game's second goal six minutes later before Ollie Clark wrapped up all three points an hour into the fixture.

In the day’s other action, Stafford Rangers’ clash with Bradford (Park Avenue) at Marston Road finished goalless, leaving both teams in their previous places in 17th and 19th, respectively.

Results - Saturday 30 September

Basford United 3-0 Gainsborough Trinity
Ilkeston Town 1-0 Bamber Bridge
Marske United 0-3 Matlock Town
Stafford Rangers 0-0 Bradford (Park Avenue)
Workington AFC 2-1 FC United of Manchester

Photo credit: Mick Gretton