Premier round-up: Wins for top four

Leaders South Shields stayed three points clear at the top with a 2-0 win at struggling Ashton United, with Jason Gilchrist scoring twice.

FC United’s fine run of form continued as they battered Hyde United 5-1. Tunde Owolabi made it a stunning 27 goals in 24 games for the Reds this season with a brace, while Regan Linney also bagged two.

Basford United battled to a 1-0 win at Matlock Town, who have lost seven of their last eight in the league.


Matt Thornhill’s goal proved the difference to strengthen Basford’s place in the play-offs.

Lancaster City remain second after a 4-1 win over Morpeth Town, despite losing Sam Bailey to an early red card.

Paul Dawson scored a hat-trick for the Dolly Blues, who have missed the chance to go top of the table on several occasions over the last month, but are showing no signs of falling away.

Stalybridge Celtic maintained their play-off place with a draw at Scarborough Athletic.

Darius Osei put them in front three minutes before the interval, but Ryan Watson earned a point for the Seadogs.

Veteran striker Stuart Beavon scored twice as Mickleover Sports registered their third successive win in beating Nantwich Town 2-1.

The Dabbers had led as early as the seventh minute through Casper Hughes, but they have now won just two of their last seven.

Buxton survived the first half sending off of Alex Byrne to record their third win in four matches, beating Witton Albion 2-0.

Byrne went on the stroke of half time for a second bookable offence, but the Bucks made light of their numerical disadvantage, Tom Elliott firing them in to a 66th minute lead before Liam Hardy made sure at the death.

Jake Hackett said goodbye to Whitby Town after his loan spell with a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw at home to Gainsborough Trinity.

Trinity boss Curtis Woodhouse took to social media to bemoan the quality of the pitch after watching his side twice throw away a lead.

Simon Russell and Greg Smith gave them the lead in either half, but they were pegged back twice - but stretch their unbeaten run to five as they look to move away from the foot of the table.

Bamber Bridge’s upturn in form under new manager Jamie Milligan continued with a stunning 4-0 win at Radcliffe.

Radcliffe had only lost once at home all season, but Bamber registered their third successive away win to maintain their unbeaten start to 2020.


Sheldon Green gave them a first half lead, but three goals in six minutes around the hour mark from Richard Allen, Matthew Dudley and Joseph Booth sealed the points.

Stafford Rangers remain rooted to the bottom of the table as Grantham Town ended a run of six without a win by winning 2-0.

Jacob Green broke the deadlock on 72 minutes, and Craig Westcarr made sure of the points late on.

Warrington Town are losing ground on the top sides after they squandered a lead to draw for the fifth time in six matches at home to Atherton Collieries.

Leading scorer Ben Garrity gave them a first half lead, but Danny Lafferty’s powerful header late on gave Colls a deserved point as the Yellows remain without a win since November.

Colls’ attention now turns to their FA Trophy replay at National League leaders Barrow on Tuesday night.

Featured match photos courtesy of Darren Murphy - Ashton United 0-2 South Shields