Premier Division round-up: FC United flying high as Liversedge stun Matlock

The two high-flyers, who were bidding to climb above previous league leaders Stafford Rangers with a win, exchanged early goals at Broadhurst Park.

However, Will Russ scored a 20-minute hat-trick to seal victory for the home side, with Morpeth’s sole response coming via the penalty spot from Liam Noble, 16 minutes from time.

Meanwhile, Matlock Town missed the chance to keep pace with the league leaders after falling to a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to Liversedge.

Early goals from Zak Dearnley and Nathan Cartman proved to be the Gladiators’ undoing as Sedge picked up just their third league win of the season and climbed off the foot of the table.

Marske United, another of the sides jockeying for position near the top, came from behind to edge a five-goal thriller at Stalybridge Celtic.

A second-half brace from Adam Boyes, plus a goal from Connor Simpson, helped the visitors move up to fifth in the table.

Elsewhere, Warrington Rylands’ six-match unbeaten run came to an abrupt end following their 2-1 defeat away at Lancaster City.

Goals either side of half-time from Kyle Brownhill and Patrick Allington put the Dolly Blues in control, and although Kelly N’Mai pulled one back with his first for Rylands, Jody Banim’s side couldn’t find an equaliser.

Meanwhile, Gainsborough Trinity climbed into the top half of the division with a 2-0 victory at Warrington Town.

Top scorer Liam Waldock scored a quickfire first-half double as Trinity ran out convincing winners and leapfrogged the Yellows in the process.

At the Weaver Stadium, Marine came from behind to beat Nantwich Town 2-1.

The Dabbers had led through Harry Nevin, but Hayden Campbell scored either side of half-time to turn the contest around and ensure the Mariners left Cheshire with all three points to their name.

And finally, Atherton Collieries and Belper Town shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw at the Skuna Stadium.

Danny Lafferty gave Colls the lead from the penalty spot midway through the first half, before Ben Middleton volleyed home an equaliser just before the hour mark.

Results - Tuesday 11 October

Atherton Collieries 1-1 Belper Town
FC United of Manchester 4-2 Morpeth Town
Lancaster City 2-1 Warrington Rylands
Matlock Town 1-2 Liversedge
Nantwich Town 1-2 Marine FC
Stalybridge Celtic 2-3 Marske United
Warrington Town 0-2 Gainsborough Trinity

Photo credit: Russ MCR