Premier Division round-up: Gap shrinks at the top as Dabbers climb out of relegation zone

Despite the Brig seeing Nathan Pond sent off with 20 minutes remaining, it was they who netted a last-gasp winner at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium, courtesy of a fine free-kick from Fin Sinclair-Smith.

That result leaves Bamber Bridge second in the league, and they could move to within six points of the Mariners if they win their game in hand against Morpeth Town on Tuesday night.

At Northolme, Gainsborough Trinity and Warrington Town - two of the other sides fighting for promotion - played out an entertaining 1-1 draw.

Yellows captain Josh Amis headed home his third goal in as many matches on the stroke of half-time, before an unfortunate Bohan Dixon own-goal levelled the contest on the hour mark.

Radcliffe missed the chance to cement their top five spot as they were held to a goalless draw at home to Stafford Rangers, and it was a similar story at the Project Solar Stadium as Hyde United were unable to find a way through against Whitby Town.

Marine could’ve closed the gap to the top five, but they were soundly beaten 3-0 by Nantwich Town.

Goals from Sean Cooke, Byron Harrison and Connor Evans were enough to lift Paul Carden’s Dabbers out of the relegation zone.

Marine’s two closest challengers in the league table, Matlock Town and FC United of Manchester, both picked up maximum points on their travels.

Goals in either half from Adam Yates and Reece Stryche helped the Gladiators to a 2-0 win at Liversedge, while Max Cane’s cool 57th minute strike was enough for the Reds away at Morpeth Town, who have now won just one of their last six matches.

Elsewhere, Ashton United moved to within one point of Guiseley after beating the Lions 2-0 at Hurst Cross.

Lancaster City are sandwiched between the two sides in the league table, after they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Warrington Rylands.

The Dolly Blues had looked like they would extend their recent good run of form when Rudy Misambo broke the deadlock shortly before half-time. However, the Blues turned the game around before the hour mark thanks to a Mo Touray penalty and Osebi Abadaki’s fine solo goal, extending Michael Clegg’s unbeaten home record in the process.

Bottom-of-the-table Belper Town’s 2-0 win over Atherton Collieries means they still have a slim chance of surviving the drop, with late goals from Jerome Greaves and Charlie Reaney enough for three points.

The day’s only other fixture between relegation rivals Marske United and Stalybridge Celtic was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Results - Saturday 1 April

Ashton United 2-0 Guiseley
Bamber Bridge 2-1 South Shields
Belper Town 2-0 Atherton Collieries
Gainsborough Trinity 1-1 Warrington Town
Hyde United 0-0 Whitby Town
Liversedge 0-2 Matlock Town
Marine 0-3 Nantwich Town
Morpeth Town 0-1 FC United of Manchester
Radcliffe 0-0 Stafford Rangers
Warrington Rylands 2-1 Lancaster City

Photo credit: Nantwich Town