Saturday's First Division North action review

Skelmersdale United recovered from the midweek shock of losing at home to Trafford to win 3-0 at Moor Lane against Salford City and maintain their 14 point lead at the top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's First Division North table on Easter Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

The game was delayed by 40 minutes due to a serious neck injury to Ammies keeper Richie Branagan who was taken to hospital by ambulance on a spinal board after being treated on the pitch. In welcome news, fears that he might have broken his neck were eased on Saturday night by reports that he may even return home on Easter Sunday.

Josh Hine bagged a brace on nine and 42 minutes when Branagan was still in goal. Adam Morning added a third six minutes after half-time with outfield player Nathan Taylor between the posts to secure the points for Skem. To add to the home side's woes, they had Rob Kinsella sent-off.

Ramsbottom United slipped down to fourth after losing 2-1 at the Riverside to Farsley FC. Matt Dempsey broke the deadlock by giving the Yorkshire side a 49th minute lead that Jon Robinson cancelled out eight minutes later. But Gareth Grant won it for Farsley with 16 minutes to go.

Mossley returned to second spot after a 2-0 derby win over Radcliffe Borough at Seel Park. Sam Madeley gave the Lilywhites a 15th minute lead that Gary Gee added to eight minutes after half-time.

Trafford are third after comleting a 4-1 raid on Garforth Town. The basement side shocked their high-flying visitors by taking a 14th minute lead through Brett Mbalanda. But Paul Ashton levelled seven minutes before the break before Dom Blair restored the hosts' advantage six minutes later. But Ali Brown equalised two minutes later and then Steve Mason and Ashton again made sure of victory for Trafford in the final ten minutes.

Not too far away, Curzon Ashton's play-off hopes took a blow when they were beaten 2-0 at Dimple Wells by second-bottom Ossett Albion. Tyrone Gray gave the home side a 28th minute lead that Alex Metcalfe, who is also dual registered with Harrogate Town, doubled six minutes after half-time.

That allowed New Mills to go into fifth place after a 2-1 win at the Giant Axe against Lancaster City, whose Dave Swarbrick gave them an early third minute lead. But Dave Chadwick bagged a brace in the 24th and 43rd minutes to turn the game in the Millers' favour.

Warrington Town kept their faint play-off hopes alive with a vital 2-1 victory over fellow contenders Clitheroe at Cantilever Park. Town were somewhat fortunate to be 1-0 up at the break after Andy Fowler slotted home after 32 minutes. The Wire's fans had to wait until substitute Ashley Ruane lobbed the keeper with a clinical finish from 25 yards four minutes from time to give Warrington some much-needed breathing space. It was certainly needed, the visitors pulling one back through Isaac Kusaloka in stoppage time.

Cammell Laird also kept their top five chances alive with a 3-1 win at Station View against Harrogate Railway Athletic. Michael Grogan gave the visitors a 32nd minute lead that John Couch added to less than five minutes later. Jamie Henders added a third for Laird four minutes after the restart, with appropriately for Easter, Rail replied through Jesus Samuel Martin-Farina on 65 minutes!

Elsewhere, Prescot Cables beat third-bottom Goole AFC 2-1 at Valerie Park with goals from Sean Myler on the hour-mark and Karl Bergqvist ten minutes from time after the Vikings had led through Chris Ovington's 25th minute effort.

Bamber Bridge hammered Wakefield in Yorkshire with Lennie Reid bagging a brace in the 27th and 39th minutes. Ali Waddecar on 12 minutes, Mark Buchan in the 70th and Neil Reynolds seven minutes later, all netted singles.

The game between Burscough and Ossett Town ended all-square at 1-1, with Louis Mayers rescuing a point for the home side four minutes from the end after Town had led through Carl Stewart's 50th minute opener.