Premier Division round-up: Sensational comeback from Gainsborough, winning start for new Robins boss

South Shields extended their gap at the top of the division to five points with a 2-1 win at home to Marine.

Jordy Mongoy’s first half opener for Kevin Phillips’ side was cancelled out by Hayden Campbell, but Darius Osei secured all three points from the penalty spot on the hour mark.

Gainsborough Trinity are up to second after they produced a stunning comeback from three goals down to win away at Stafford Rangers.

Goals from Tom Tonks, Luis Morrison and Kaiman Anderson had the hosts well on their way to victory, but a remarkable four goals in 18 second half minutes saw the Holy Blues claim a stunning three points on the road.

That win saw them overtake Hyde United, who left it late to rescue a point at home to Atherton Collieries.

Despite being down to 10 men, Colls led thanks to Bailey Thompson’s smart finish on the stroke of half-time. However, Edy Maieco scored two minutes after coming on as substitute to ensure the spoils were shared.

Warrington Town climbed back into the play-off places with a 3-1 victory over Belper Town.

Goals from Josh Amis, Dec Walker and Bohan Dixon ensured Lee Attenborough got off to a losing start as Nailers manager.

In contrast, new Ashton United manager Steve Cunningham saw his side run out convincing 3-0 winners away at Warrington Rylands.

Debutant Jason Gilchrist scored in both halves, and Nathan Lowe added a late free-kick to round off a perfect afternoon for the Robins.

There was high drama at Broadhurst Park as FC United of Manchester and Whitby Town played out a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Lewis Hawkins had given the visitors the lead just six minutes in, before a remarkable sequence saw three goals in as many second half minutes as FC United levelled twice, either side of Brad Fewster’s tidy finish.

Matlock Town and Morpeth Town also played out a 2-2 draw at the DCJ Group Insurance Arena.

The Highwaymen had led twice thanks to goals from Sam Fishburn and Connor Thompson, but after Karl Demidh’s debut goal early in the second half, Ryan Qualter headed home a late leveller for the Gladiators, who remain 10th in the league table.

At Nethermoor, Guiseley came from behind to beat Nantwich Town 2-1.

Andy Kellet and Lewis Whitham scored either side of half-time after James Caton’s 10th minute opener for the Dabbers.

And finally, there was no separating Lancaster City and Stalybridge Celtic at the Giant Axe.

Dominic Lawson and Chris Dagnall exchanged goals in the first half, with both sides holding position in the league table.

The two other scheduled fixtures, Liversedge versus Bamber Bridge and Radcliffe’s trip to Marske United, were postponed. A new date for both fixtures will be announced in due course.

Results - Saturday 7 January

FC United of Manchester 2-2 Whitby Town
Guiseley 2-1 Nantwich Town
Hyde United 1-1 Atherton Collieries
Lancaster City 1-1 Stalybridge Celtic
Liversedge P-P Bamber Bridge
Marske United P-P Radcliffe
Matlock Town 2-2 Morpeth Town
South Shields 2-1 Marine
Stafford Rangers 3-4 Gainsborough Trinity
Warrington Rylands 0-3 Ashton United
Warrington Town 3-1 Belper Town

Photo credit: Gainsborough Trinity