NPL round-up | Saturday 4 November

League leaders Radcliffe fell to a heavy 4-0 defeat at Matlock Town, after an inspired display from Gladiators forward Jonathon Margetts.

Margetts scored a first-half hat-trick and added a fourth shortly before the hour mark to set his side on the way to an important victory over the Boro, who were beaten for just the second time in 14 league outings.

They remain seven points clear at the top, however, after second-placed Warrington Rylands saw their 13-game unbeaten run end at the hands of Guiseley.

Gabriel Johnson's opener 21 minutes from time after a defensive mix-up was enough to see the Lions topple the Blues at Gorsey Lane.

Ashton United moved to within three points of Rylands after twice coming from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw at home to Bamber Bridge, while goals in either half from Lewis Alessandra and Matthew Fearnley helped Hyde United defeat neighbours FC United of Manchester 2-0 on the road.

Macclesfield's new era under Alex Bruce got off to a winning start as they secured a 1-0 victory at Marske United.

A Laurent Mendy header nine minutes after half-time proved decisive as the Silkmen climbed into the play-off spots.

Elsewhere, Ilkeston Town denied struggling Atherton Collieries just their third league win of the season after scoring a stoppage-time winner at the Skuna Stadium.

Trailing 2-1 heading into the final 10 minutes, Jamie Walker's 81st minute penalty levelled things up before Ben Starkie fired home late in the day to complete a remarkable turnaround.

In the day's other action, Declan Howe's sixth goal of the season was enough to see Gainsborough Trinity win 1-0 at home to Lancaster City.

And at Greenwich Avenue, a Jordan Hallam double helped Basford United past Bradford Park Avenue - one point now separating the sides in the league table as the Lions closed the gap.

Results - Saturday 4 November

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

Photo credit: Radcliffe