Premier Division round-up: Top three falter, eight-goal thriller and derby drama

League leaders South Shields missed the chance to extend their advantage after falling to a 1-0 defeat at Guiseley.

Lewis Whitham scored from the penalty spot 11 minutes from time as the Lions recorded their third successive league win.

Second-placed Hyde United couldn’t take advantage after they played out a remarkable 4-4 draw with FC United of Manchester.

In a game where the lead changed hands three times, Hyde came from 3-1 down to level before half-time, and despite hitting the front through Will Russ, who scored twice on debut, Josiah Dyer struck in the final 10 minutes to earn a point for the hosts at Broadhurst Park.

Below them, Gainsborough Trinity were beaten 2-0 at Morpeth Town.

Both goals for the Highwaymen came in the first half through Andrew Johnson and Ben Ramsey.

Difficulties for the top three meant the chasing pack could close in, with Warrington Town coming from behind to beat neighbours Warrington Rylands 2-1 in the derby.

AJ Leitch-Smith had given the Blues the lead, but Jordan Buckley’s second half double turned the game on its head as the Yellows made it seven games unbeaten in the league.

At the Marine Travel Arena, Bamber Bridge came from two goals down to edge a five-goal thriller against Marine.

All their goals came in the space of seven minutes shortly before the hour mark, with Harry Scarborough starting the comeback and top scorer Fin Sinclair-Smith grabbing a quickfire double not long after.

Elsewhere, Matlock Town remain within touching distance of the play-offs after running out 2-0 winners at Stafford Rangers.

It took just 10 seconds for the deadlock to be broken as Karl Demidh opened the scoring, with John Johnston extending their advantage six minutes later.

Finally, Nantwich Town came from behind to win 3-1 at Belper Town.

The Nailers struck midway through the first half thanks to James Tague, but Byron Harrison and Troy Bourne turned the game around before Gary Taylor-Fletcher scored a sensational third to seal the points.

Results - Saturday 14 January

Belper Town 1-3 Nantwich Town
FC United of Manchester 4-4 Hyde United
Guiseley 1-0 South Shields
Marine 2-3 Bamber Bridge
Morpeth Town 2-0 Gainsborough Trinity
Stafford Rangers 0-2 Matlock Town
Warrington Rylands 1-2 Warrington Town

Photo credit: Jonathan Moore