Premier Division round-up: South Shields crowned champions as duo earn play-off spots

Tom Broadbent’s goal was enough for the Mariners to get over the line. They will play in the sixth tier of English football for the first time since the reformation of the club in 1974.

Elsewhere, Warrington Town secured a play-off spot for the fourth straight completed season, after Isaac Buckley-Ricketts’ late goal secured a 2-1 win over play-off chasing Marine.

The Yellows have also extended their club record unbeaten run to 21 games.

Bamber Bridge have also secured their play-off place with two games to spare. First half goals from Finlay Cross-Adair and Paul Dawson were enough to beat Lancaster City 2-1 at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

Gainsborough Trinity have also all but confirmed their place in the play-offs, after a 4-0 win over struggling Liversedge. Goals from Tyrell Sellars-Fleming, Clayton Donaldson and a double from Liam Waldock secured victory for the Holy Blues.

Meanwhile, that result pushes Sedge further towards the trap door. If they fail to win their game in hand, they will be all-but relegated to step 4.

Also, Hyde United lost further ground in the race for the play-offs, after drawing 2-2 at relegation-threatened Stalybridge Celtic. A late penalty from Raul Correia rescued a point for the Celts, who are two points off safety with a game in hand.

Matlock Town also missed the chance to close the gap to the play-offs, after drawing 1-1 with already-relegated Belper Town. Reece Styche had given The Gladiators the lead, but Curtis Burrows levelled for the league’s bottom side.

At the bottom of the table, Nantwich Town picked up what could be a crucial point in their battle to stay up. Daniel Cockerline’s equaliser was enough for The Dabbers to pick up a point at home to Stafford Rangers.

Also, Marske United and Morpeth Town played out a 1-1 draw. It was a result that didn’t ease any relegation fears for both sides. Sam Hodgson had given the Seasiders the lead, but Jack Foalle earned a point for The Highwaymen.

Atherton Collieries also did their survival hopes no harm, with a 2-1 victory over an out-of-form Guiseley.

Goals either side of half-time from Adam Rooney and Jay Fitzmartin has the Colls four points clear of the relegation places with two games to go.

The big winners of the weekend were FC United of Manchester, who put five past Ashton United away from home. Luke Griffiths gave The Reds the lead, before Jan Palinkas made it two just before the break. Max Cane then added a second-half double before Dontai Gabidon completed the scoring.

Finally, the game between Radcliffe and Warrington Rylands was postponed, but will take place on Tuesday night instead. Boro could all-but seal their place in the play-offs with victory, while Rylands will look to consolidate their place in the top half.

NPL Premier Division Results - 10 April

Ashton United 0-5 FC United of Manchester
Atherton Collieries 2-1 Guiseley
Bamber Bridge 2-1 Lancaster City
Belper Town 1-1 Matlock Town
Gainsborough Trinity 4-0 Liversedge
Marine 1-2 Warrington Town
Morpeth Town 1-1 Marske United
Nantwich Town 1-1 Stafford Rangers
Stalybridge Celtic 2-2 Hyde United
Whitby Town 0-1 South Shields

NPL Premier Division Fixtures- 11 April

Radcliffe v Warrington Rylands

Picture Credit: Kev Wilson