Premier Round-up: Chasing pack close in on top two

Leaders Nantwich Town were held to a goalless draw by South Shields, the north east side’s first draw of the campaign, which leaves them seventh in the table.

Danny Glover missed a first half penalty as the Dabbers missed the opportunity to increase their lead at the top.

Scarborough Athletic could have returned to top spot with a win, but they suffered their fourth defeat in five games as they were beaten 2-0 at home to Hyde United.

Two first half goals within four minutes from Connor Simpson and Nicky Platt earned Hyde a fine away win and a third successive defeat for the Seadogs who will be desperate to find form before Christmas.

The chasing pack are now breathing down their necks, with Farsley Celtic, Warrington Town and Gainsborough Trinity all winning on Saturday.

Farsley battled past fellow play-off chasers Basford United thanks to second half goals from Jack Higgins and Nathan Cartman, and they boast the best average points record in the league - sitting just a point behind Scarborough but with four games in hand.

Level on points, and goal difference, with Farsley are Warrington, who recorded their third straight win with a 4-0 win over North Ferriby United.

The damage was done in the first half as goals from Jack Mackreth (penalty), Adam Hughes and Jake Kirby all but ended the game as a contest, with Jack Dunn adding a fourth late on.
Gainsborough’s steady progress continue thanks to Ross Hannah’s strike, which helped them to a 1-0 win away at Lancaster City.

Matlock Town bounced back from their hammering at South Shields with a 2-1 win over Workington, thanks to goals from Luke Hinsley and Jonathan Wafula, but they still slipped a place in the table courtesy of Buxton’s 5-0 hammering of Mickleover Sports.

A brace from Liam Hardy and goals from Brad Grayson, James Dean and Brad Roscoe lifted the Bucks above Matlock on goal difference.

At the bottom, Marine failed to capitalise on defeats for teams around them as they were held 1-1 at Grantham Town.

The Gingerbreads led through Daniel Durkin’s 16th minute strike, but Liam Hynes earned Marine a point 15 minutes from the end.

There was drama from start to finish at Wincham Park, with kick-off delayed due to a kit clash, meaning visitors Bamber Bridge had to play in an old Witton Albion strip.

Brig legend Alistair Waddecar had his first half penalty saved by Greg Hall, but would give the visitors the lead on 58 minutes.

Witton turned it around with two goals in three minutes from Michael Wilson (penalty) and Thomas Owens, but Kieran Charnock snatched a point for Brig in injury time.

There was also a late equaliser at Bower Fold as Stalybridge Celtic rescued a point in a 2-2 home draw against Stafford Rangers.

Stafford led 2-0 on the hour thanks to goals from Theo Bailey-Jones and Luke Jones, before Andrew Scott’s free-kick gave the hosts hope 18 minutes from time.

Neil Kengni was the hero, lobbing the ‘keeper in the fourth minute of injury time to extend Stafford’s winless run to six.

Elsewhere, Hednesford Town suffered their fifth home defeat of the season as Whitby Town came from behind to win 2-1.

The Pitmen led through Daniel Cockerline but a brace from Callum Patton inside five minutes before the hour earned the visitors the three points.