Premier Division round-up: South Shields go clear as home teams prosper

First half goals from Dillon Morse, Blair Adams and Tom Broadbent set the Mariners on their way, and although Whitby responded four minutes after half-time, a second of the game for Adams on 74 minutes ensured it would be the hosts who clinched maximum points.

Hyde United missed the chance to keep pace with Shields as they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Stalybridge Celtic.

Celtic were the only visiting team to clinch all three points on Boxing Day, with a fine strike from Chris Dagnall proving to be the difference.

Heavy rainfall meant third-placed Gainsborough Trinity's trip to Liversedge was postponed, allowing Marine to move to within one point of the Holy Blues after a goalless draw at Warrington Town.

Bamber Bridge, another of the sides who could’ve overtaken Gainsborough, missed the opportunity to do so after Lancaster City struck at the death to rescue a 1-1 draw at the Giant Axe.

In the fight for position just outside the play-off spots, FC United of Manchester climbed to sixth thanks to a comfortable 4-0 win over Ashton United.

Regan Linney, Joe Rodwell-Grant and a Charlie Ennis penalty set Neil Reynolds’ side on their way before the break, and Callum Gribbin added a fourth with five minutes to go.

Matlock Town and Warrington Rylands, now seventh and eighth, also enjoyed 4-0 triumphs over Belper Town and Radcliffe respectively.

Eddie Church netted twice for the Gladiators while three goals in 19 second half minutes helped Rylands to a fourth win from their last six league matches.

Elsewhere, Stafford Rangers ensured they would end the year in the top half after a comfortable 3-0 win against Nantwich Town at Marston Road.

A second half double from Kaiman Anderson added to James O’Neill’s 17th minute header as Rangers picked up their third win from their last four games in all competitions.

And finally, Guiseley eased past Atherton Collieries 3-0 to climb above them in the league table.

The only other scheduled fixture between Marske United and Morpeth Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Mount Pleasant.

Results - Monday 26 December

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

Photo credit: Michael South Photography