Premier Round-up: It's as you were at the top

South Shields recorded a routine 4-1 home win over Hednesford Town to keep the pressure on leaders Farsley Celtic, who needed a late winner to beat play-off chasing Buxton.

The in-form Nathan Lowe gave Shields a first half lead and his second came after Connor Bell had made it 2-0, and though Reece King pulled one back for the Pitmen, Robert Briggs made sure as Shields boosted their already commanding goal difference.

Buxton was arguably the toughest game left in Farsley’s run-in and they scored early through Nathan Cartman, only for Liam Hardy to equalise on the hour.

But top scorer Jimmy Spencer scored a crucial winner on 81 minutes to ensure they remain top of the tree with just five games left to play.

Five games may well not be enough for Warrington Town to turn things around, though they did keep up the pressure in third place with a 2-0 win over Matlock Town.

After a tight first half, goals from Jack Dunn and Tony Gray earned the Yellows the away victory and in doing so, guaranteeing their place in the play-offs - a win over Whitby on Tuesday night guarantees them a home semi-final in the play-offs, something which both Farsley and South Shields have already at least guaranteed.

Gainsborough are back in the play-off places as they took advantage of Buxton’s defeat to Farsley by beating Hyde United 1-0.

Alex Byrne’s first half goal was enough for the Holy Blues, who have been in good form under new boss Liam King, and were hard done to at Warrington last week.

Another team picking up some form is Basford United, who won 2-0 at Stalybridge Celtic through Stefan Galinski and Jerry Nash, though it may be too late for them to join the play-off picture.

Still in with a shout are Scarborough Athletic, who celebrated new manager John Deacey’s first game in charge with a 4-2 win at Bamber Bridge.

Ryan Watson and Michael Coulson put them 2-0 up at Irongate, before Alistair Waddecar and James Walshaw exchanged two goals apiece for a result that leaves Brig well and truly in the relegation mire.

They are now three points adrift of Mickleover Sports, who picked up a fine 3-2 win at Nantwich Town, which was only the Dabbers’ third home loss of the season.

Nantwich led 2-1 through Callum Saunders’ brace, but goals from Evan Garnett and Jiri Boula added to Jack Storer’s opener for Sports to secure the win, with all the goals coming in the first half.

That means Nantwich still have to wait for their play-off place to be mathematically guaranteed.

That result will also have Marine looking over their shoulders after they went down 2-1 away at Whitby Town.

Brett Mbalanda gave Marine a 36th minute lead, though it was short-lived as Dale Hopson’s lovely free-kick levelled things up before the break.

Adam Gell’s winner six minutes from time means Marine remain five points clear of the relegation zone.

It’s looking ever more bleak for Workington, who are now seven points from safety albeit with a game in hand as the season end nears.

They went down 2-0 at Witton Albion, who kept yet another clean sheet, and scored twice through Ben Harrison, including a fine over head kick.

Elsewhere, Lancaster City and Grantham Town have now all but secured their place in the league next season after fighting out a 1-1 draw at the Giant Axe.

Jordan Adebayo-Smith gave the Gingerbreads a third minute lead on the road, and that’s how it stayed until four minutes from the end, when Charlie Bailey equalised to ensure the Dolly Blues stay above their opponents in the table.

To view all the results from the weekend’s games, visit the EVO-STIK League results page, and check the latest league tables here.