Saturday's First Division North action review

With Curzon Ashton already crowned as champions of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's First Division North, it`s the race for the play-offs that is now taking centre stage, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

And with just a couple of matches of the season remaining, it's one from three, although mathematically Bamber Bridge still need a point to ensure their place in the top five.

However, Brig`s 2-0 win at Stainton Park against Radcliffe Borough virtually assured their place. Ali Waddecar after just four minutes and Alex Taylor 20 minutes later sealed Saturday`s victory.

Farsley AFC`s hopes took a blow when they were beaten 3-0 at Heritage Park by a Darlington side seeking second spot and home advantage in the play-offs.

A crowd of 1,136 saw Iain Ward give the Quakers a 35th minute lead that Amar Purewal added to on the hour-mark – Leon Scott making it 3-0 on 66 minutes.

Lancaster City`s top five hopes also took a big blow when they were held to a 1-1 draw at the Giant Axe by third-bottom Padiham.

Former Northwich Victoria boss Lee Ashcroft gave the Storks an early ninth minute lead that Ryan Elderton cancelled out seven minutes later, but the Dolly Blues couldn`t find a winner and may rue these two dropped points.

Lancaster`s hopes weren`t helped by the team immediately below them in seventh – Ramsbottom United – winning at the Riverside against third-placed Warrington Town.

The Wire, chasing Darlington hard for second spot, took an 18th minute lead through David Mannix, only for Owen Roberts to pull Rammie level on 37 minutes.

But the real drama came in the final 10 minutes. First, Ciaran Kilheeney restored Warrington`s lead and then two minutes from the end of normal time Lee Gaskell equalised from the penalty spot before Scott Burton popped up with a vital winner for Ramsbottom deep into stoppage time.

That all leaves Farsley in fifth place, level on points with Lancaster, with Ramsbottom a further point behind.

Ossett Albion gained their second home win of the season at home to a Wakefield side who will already follow them out of the division voluntarily.

This game between the two bottom clubs in the league didn't promise to be a classic, but it saw goals from Caldon Henson after 25 minutes and Ryan Harrison eight minutes into the second half.

Cammell Laird, who also announced they are to drop out of the league at the end of the season, were beaten 4-1 at Station View by Harrogate Railway.

Louie Swain opened the scoring right on half-time before goals from Steve Bromley on 65 minutes and then Nathan Cartman and Fatlum Ibrahimi in the final nine minutes – John Couch sandwiching a reply for Lairds.

Ossett Town crossed the Pennines to take all three points away from Seel Park against Mossley AFC, thanks to goals from Steve Jeff on 66 minutes and Chris Wood six minutes from time after Lewis Nightingale had equalised on 69 minutes.

Salford City, who have a thrilling future to look forward to, won 2-1 at Flixton against Northwich Victoria with Josh Messer after 20 minutes and Matty Purcell on 76 minutes winning it for the Ammies after Brian Summerskill had pulled Vics level from the spot in the 29th minute.

Isaac Kusaloka bagged a brace to help Prescot Cables to a 3-0 derby win at Valerie Park against Burscough – Luke Robinson netting the other – and Kendal Town earned a comprehensive 4-0 win at New Mills with Danny Mitchley scoring twice – Mike Rushton and Richard Mercer with the others.

Champions Curzon eased to a 3-0 win at Clitheroe, thanks to goals from Ryan Watson after four minutes, Sam Walker on 26 and Chris Rowney just past the hour-mark.