Premier Division round-up: Matlock win again as play-off rivals play out six-goal thriller

League leaders Matlock Town moved four points clear at the top of the table as Reece Kendle’s emphatic 14th-minute strike sealed a 1-0 victory away at Witton Albion.

The victory was made all the more sweeter as second-placed Bamber Bridge lost ground after being held to a goalless draw at home to FC United of Manchester.

South Shields capitalised on the Brig’s slip-up with a 2-0 win at home to Radcliffe in front of almost 2,000 fans at the 1st Cloud Arena.

Nathan Lowe opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the sixth minute, before striker JJ Hooper made sure of all three points, 10 minutes from time.

Despite their victory, the Mariners have since made the decision to relieve manager Graham Fenton of his first team duties, replacing him with former England international Kevin Phillips.

Elsewhere, it was an entertaining affair at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium as Buxton came from behind three times to secure a point at home to Warrington Town.

The Yellows missed the chance to leapfrog the Bucks, despite top scorer Jordan Buckley maintaining his excellent recent form with another double.

A superb Sean Williams strike saw the visitors lead 3-2 at half-time, but a Jamie Ward header, his second goal of the game, ensured both sides left with a point.

Scarborough Athletic moved to within one point of the play-offs as Lewis Maloney’s cross-come-shot in the first minute of second half stoppage time helped the Seadogs snatch all three points away at Stalybridge Celtic.

Meanwhile, Whitby Town’s difficult recent run continued as they slumped to a 2-0 home defeat to Atherton Collieries.

First half goals from Danny Lafferty and Clive Smith mean Lee Bullock and Nathan Haslam’s Blues have picked up one point from their last four league matches.

Elsewhere, Stafford Rangers and Hyde United played out a goalless draw, while Declan Bacon’s late drilled effort helped Gainsborough Trinity to a 1-0 win over Basford United.