NPL round-up | Tuesday 26 December

A first half double from Jordan Hulme set them on their way at home to Bradford Park Avenue, before Josh Hancock struck 16 minutes from time to wrap up a 3-0 win.

Nearest challengers Warrington Rylands came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Marine, with Adama Sidibeh grabbing his 14th goal of the season.

The Blues now hold the proud record of being the only team in the top seven tiers of English football to remain unbeaten away from home in league football this season.

Marine's dropped points mean third-placed Worksop Town now have some breathing space in third.

The Tigers left it late to beat Basford United 1-0, with Jay Rollins scoring the winner in second half stoppage time.

Of the other sides in-and-around the play-offs, Macclesfield played out the division's only goalless draw of the day at home to Hyde United, while Jacob Gratton's dramatic late goal was enough to see 10-man Whitby Town overcome Morpeth Town and climb up to sixth.

There was late drama at Ashton United as the Robins fell to a 2-1 defeat against FC United of Manchester.

The hosts equalised in the 82nd minute through James Hardy, but it wouldn't be enough as recent FC United signing Aaron Bennett came up with the winning goal four minutes later.

It was a fine afternoon for Marske United striker Adam Boyes, who netted a hat-trick in the Seasiders' 3-0 win at Guiseley.

Elsewhere, a 31st goal of the season for Jonathon Margetts was enough for Matlock Town as they climbed above Ilkeston Town with a 1-0 win a the New Manor Ground.

Late goals were the order of the day at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium, meanwhile, as Bamber Bridge came from a goal down to defeat Lancaster City 2-1.

A gutsy second half display saw the Brig claim the spoils in a hotly-contested Lancashire derby.

And in the day's other games, the division's bottom two both picked up three points.

A Kaiman Anderson double helped Stafford Rangers sweep aside Gainsborough Trinity 4-0, while seven goals were shared at the Skuna Stadium as Atherton Collieries edged Workington 4-3 in a thrilling encounter.

Results - Tuesday 26 December

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

Click here for the latest results from the NPL East Division, NPL Midlands Division and NPL West Division.

Photo credit: Darren Murphy