Saturday's First Division North action review

There were only a handful of matches in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's First Division North due to the FA Trophy but one produced one of the biggest surprises of the season to date, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

That came at Parkside where mid-table Kendal Town hammered ambitious Salford City 6-0. The Ammies were looking to return to the top of the table, starting play level on points with Darlington 1883 who were playing in the Trophy. But they ended up well beaten and with only nine men!

Cavell Coo was the first to have a very early shower after being dismissed in the 18th minute – Jordan Connerton converting the resulting penalty. Connerton doubled his and Kendal`s lead on 23 minutes and he completed his hat-trick immediately after half-time when Ammies` keeper Josh Cook became the second to see red and Connerton netted from the spot.

Connerton added a fourth on 72 minutes and then Kieran Walmsley and Reece Fishwick punished a tiring Salford defence in the final eight minutes.

Droylsden moved to within three points of Salford in third after a 3-1 win against FA Cup heroes Warrington Town at the Butcher`s Arms.

Ciaran Kelheeney had an interesting first half, giving the Bloods a sixth minute lead and then, after Ben Hampson had doubled the home side`s lead in the 21st minute, beat his own keeper to give the Wire hope right on the whistle. Ben Deegan added a third 12 minutes from time to complete victory.

Burscough hit four without reply at home against Radcliffe Borough in which boss Mark Beesley gave the Linnets a 24th minute lead and added a second just before half-time after Liam Caddick had sandwiched another on 34 minutes, with Will Jones rounding things off with a fourth on 54 minutes.

Ossett Albion picked up a home point against Lancaster City when Ross Hardaker equalised in the 67th minute after Steve Nicholson`s own goal and Jacob Davis` 56th minute goal had given the Dolly Blues a 2-1 lead – Kane Reece replying just before the break.

Tyrone Gay put Brighouse Town in front as early as the seventh minute at Station View against Harrogate Railway, whose Luke Dean salvaged a point in the 38th minute.