Premier round-up: Boxing Day blues for Lancaster


They conceded two late goals at home to Bamber Bridge to go down 3-2, having twice led through Brad Carsley and Paul Dawson.

That meant South Shields preserved their place at the top despite a 2-1 defeat at Whitby Town, for whom Paul Blackett scored a second goal in as many games since arriving from Gateshead on loan.


Warrington remained winless in December as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Witton Albion, James Foley’s penalty cancelling out Mark Roberts’ 20th minute opener within two minutes.

A 1,502 crowd watched Tunde Owolabi score an injury-time winner for FC United at Ashton United, as the Reds moved up to a season high of third.

That took them above Basford, who had their game at Mickleover postponed, and Radcliffe, who were 1-0 winners over Atherton Collieries on Boxing Day.

Stafford remain bottom after their hearts were broken by two injury time goals from Joel Stair and Sean Cooke at Nantwich, who got out of jail to win 2-1 after Jonathon Moran’s second half opener.

Matlock Town scored twice in the opening five minutes but still went down 4-2 at home to derby rivals Buxton, who put breathing space between themselves and the drop zone.

Gainsborough recorded an overdue victory in some style, winning 5-1 at Grantham Town.

Elsewhere, Stalybridge were 2-1 winners at Hyde United and Scarborough won 1-0 at home to Morpeth Town, James Walshaw scoring the only goal.