Premier Division round-up: Stafford and Warrington Town lead the way

Stafford Rangers continued their excellent start as two goals inside the opening half-hour saw them beat Atherton Collieries.

Adam Livingstone and Tom Tonks netted either side of Danny Lafferty’s 21st minute effort as Rangers climbed to the summit of the league table.

Warrington Town also recorded their second successive victory as Tom Hannigan’s first goal for the club helped them past Stalybridge Celtic at Bower Fold.

Gainsborough Trinity, who started the season in impressive fashion away at Warrington Rylands, were forced to settle for a point at home to Hyde United.

Andrew Wright’s first half penalty had given them the lead, but Tayt Trusty responded shortly before the hour mark as the visitors recorded their second successive draw.

Marine kicked off life on their new 3G pitch with a goalless stalemate against Lancaster City, while Bamber Bridge and Marske United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Noah Alabi and Isaac Sinclair helped the Brig recover from an early deficit to hit the front, but Dale Hopson’s 41st minute effort meant the division new boys picked up a point on the road.

Elsewhere, South Shields dropped their first points of the season away at Ashton United, with Michael Woods’ 60th-minute effort cancelling out Cole Lonsdale’s opener at Hurst Cross.

A Luca Navarro goal helped Radcliffe past Matlock Town 1-0, while FC United picked up an impressive victory on the road, beating Belper Town 4-1 at Christchurch Meadow.

Liversedge picked up their first victory of the season after edging a five-goal thriller at Whitby Town, whose wait for a first point of the season continues.

Paul Walker’s goal 13 minutes from time proved to be the difference following a topsy-turvy first half where four goals were shared.

And in the evening’s other matches, Nantwich Town and Warrington Rylands played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Cheshire derby, while Guiseley scored three times in the space of six second half minutes to come from behind to beat Morpeth Town 3-1 at Craik Park.

Results - Tuesday 16 August

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

Photo Credit: Sean Walsh