Premier Division round-up: Nantwich Town relegated as Colls avoid drop

Nantwich Town suffered relegation from Step 3, despite a 2-1 victory at home to Radcliffe.

The Dabbers came from behind as goals from Dan Cockerline and Connor Evans saw them pick up the three points they desperately needed, and deny Boro a play-off spot in the process. However, Paul Carden's side needed already-relegated Stalybridge Celtic to defeat Atherton Collieries in order to avoid the drop.

It looked like it might happen as Celtic went 3-2 up at Bower Fold with less than 20 minutes remaining, but a long-range 79th minute leveller from Marcus Cusani saw Colls preserve their Northern Premier League status in dramatic fashion.

Further up the division, champions South Shields ended the season on a disappointing note as they were beaten 3-0 at Stafford Rangers.

It was confirmed after the match that manager Kevin Phillips would leave the Mariners by mutual consent, having steered the club to promotion to the National League North.

Warrington Town cemented their highest ever league finish as a 3-1 victory over Hyde United saw them finish the regular season second.

Captain Josh Amis made it eight goals in as many games for the Yellows after a first half double, and Jordan Buckley secured the win in the closing stages after AJ Leitch-Smith had pulled a goal back for the Tigers with seven minutes remaining.

They will face Matlock Town in the play-offs on Tuesday night, after the Gladiators snatched a top-five spot thanks to their 1-0 victory at Marine.

Jamie Sharman's goal 11 minutes after half-time, coupled with defeats for Hyde and Radcliffe, meant Martin Carruthers side snuck into the play-off spots on the final day.

The other play-off semi-final will see Bamber Bridge welcome Gainsborough Trinity to the Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

Despite losing 2-1 at home to Ashton United, the Brig still secured their best league finish for 27 years.

Gainsborough Trinity, meanwhile, were beaten at home to FC United of Manchester by the same scoreline, but their play-off place was already secured, given their far superior goal difference compared to the teams below.

Elsewhere, Warrington Rylands let slip a 3-0 lead as Morpeth Town scored two stoppage time goals to salvage a 3-3 draw.

Goalkeeper Dan Lawson flicked home a free-kick with virtually the last kick of the game as the Highwaymen ended their season in truly remarkable fashion.

Meanwhile, Lancaster City came from behind to beat Guiseley 2-1 at the Giant Axe.

Goals from David Norris and Charlie Bailey secured a top-half finish for the Dolly Blues in the process.

Bottom-of-the-league Belper Town ended their time at Step 3 with a hard-earned 2-2 draw at Whitby Town.

Tom Wilson scored at the death for the Nailers, who finished the season 10 points adrift of their nearest league rivals.

And finally, a busy week for Marske United ended with a 1-0 victory at already-relegated Liversedge as Eddie Church struck seven minutes from time.

Results - Saturday 22 April

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

Photo credit: Atherton Collieries