Saturday's First Division North action review

Skelmersdale United took another giant stride towards the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's First Division North title with a 3-0 win at the West Lancs College Stadium against play-off chasing Clitheroe, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Dale Wright gave Skem the boost of an early second minute lead that Adam Morning added to three minutes into the second half, with Gary Burnett adding a third six minutes from time.

Trafford and Mossley both remain sixteen points behind Skem, although the latter have played two more games.

Trafford beat Farsley FC by the odd goal in five at Shawe View, coming back from being a 48th minute Adam Priestley goal down to equalise with a Paul Ashton penalty five minutes later. Then, after Matty James had put the Yorkshire side ahead again in the 68th minute, they ended up winning it with goals from Ali Brown on 76 minutes and Michael Oates two minutes from time – his thirty-first goal of the season to date.

Mossley had a more comfortable 4-1 Seel Park victory over Prescot Cables, breaking the deadlock right on half-time through Kayde Coppin and then adding a second two minutes after the break, courtesy of Gary Gee.

Dave Young made it game over with Mossley's third on 69 minutes, and after Carl Furlong had netted an 86th minute consolation for Cables, Lewis Nightingale made it 4-1 in injury-time.

There are still several teams still in with a mathematical chance of taking a top five spot, but realistically, Curzon Ashton, Ramsbottom United, New Mills, Clitheroe and Cammell Laird look the likeliest challengers.

Curzon, fresh from making it through to the Evo-Stik NPL's Doodson Sport Cup Final in midweek, were made to fight for three points at the Tameside Stadium by third-bottom Goole AFC.

It looked plain sailing for Curzon as they led 2-0 with goals from Matt Purcell after 16 minutes and Ryan Watson on the hour-mark. But the Vikings battled back to level through Chris Ovington on 69 minutes and Bill Law three minutes later. However, a last-gasp Matty Kay effort saved Curzon's blushes.

Ramsbottom earned a good 3-0 win at Cantilever Park against Warrington Town with goals from Jon Robinson on 33 minutes, Lee Gaskell on 58 and Mark Ayres six minutes later, while New Mills won 2-1 at home against Ossett Town, courtesy of goals from Dave Fitzpatrick from the spot on 22 minutes and Sam Egerton on 36 minutes – all after James Eyles had given the visitors a 19th minute lead.

Cammell Laird had a Joe Holt brace on 30 and 51 minutes to thank for their 2-1 victory at the Giant Axe against Lancaster City, whose Ryan Winder had equalised three minutes before half-time.

The other end of the table saw Ossett Albion's hopes of staying up droop after they were beaten 2-1 at Dimple Wells by Radcliffe Borough, whose James Mullineax gave them a 28th minute lead. Anthony Bowsley levelled five minutes after half-time but Jake Pollard's goal three minutes later eventually proved to be Boro's winner.

And Albion may even have to fight off finishing bottom after long-time basement side Garforth Town registered a fourth away win at fellow strugglers Wakefield. Chris Kamara after 68 minutes and Dan Sheriffe eight minutes from time were the visitors' marksmen as they picked up three points.

Elsewhere, Bamber Bridge found form with a 4-1 Irongate win over Harrogate Railway Athletic in which Ali Waddecar bagged a brace and Mark Buchan and Matt Lawlor singles – Jesus Samuel Martin-Farina replying – and Burscough hit Salford City for six – on their own Moor Lane patch!

Leon Williams had actually given City a 21st minute lead but by the time Jamie Rother scored their second 15 minutes from time, they were 3-1 down after Jordan Williams, David Lynch and Liam Caddick had scored for the Linnets. Niall Cummins, Bev Burey and Louis Mayers completed the rout.