Saturday's First Division North action review

Fortunately the weather only claimed three matches in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's First Division North on Saturday but sadly for Darlington 1883, one of those was their Heritage Park clash against struggling Prescot Cables, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

The Quakers had been in second spot but were overtaken by Northwich Victoria after they went nap at Flixton against bottom-markers Padiham.

Gray Burnett gave the Vics a great start with a goal inside five minutes. Richard Bennett doubled that six minutes later and, after Bobby Langford had reduced the arrears on 38 minutes, Godwin Abadaki made it 3-1 a minute before the break.

Chris Smalley after 64 minutes and Burnett again 10 minutes from time made it a nap hand for Vics.

They are three points behind leaders Salford City, who edged out play-off chasers Farsley AFC by the odd goal in five at Moor Lane.

The Ammies had to come back from being a fifth minute James Riley goal down too. Sam Madeley equalised in the 32nd minute, only for Riley to put the Yorkshire side in front again four minutes later.

But Madeley`s second seven minutes after the break and then Ashley Dunn three minutes later, eventually proved enough for new-look Salford under their new bosses.

It wasn`t such a good day for the two other teams in the top five – Droylsden and Scarborough Athletic - who both lost 4-2 at home.

The Bloods were beaten by Tameside neighbours Mossley AFC, who led 3-0 with goals from Porya Ahmadi, Sam Robinson from the penalty spot and Josh Granite by the 25th minute-mark.

Ben Deegan on 74 minutes and Steve Hall six minutes later eventually cut the arrears, but Michael Fish made sure with the Lilywhites` fourth three minutes from time.

At Queensgate, normally a fortress, Warrington Town produced some of their cup form to beat Scarborough.

Ben Wharton gave the Wire a 20th minute lead that Chris Gahgan doubled three minutes later. Ryan Blott pulled one back for Boro four minutes before the break, only for Gahgan to score his second and Warrington's third three minutes after the interval.

Nathan Burke made it 4-1 just past the hour-mark, rendering Gary Bradshaw`s 72nd minute spot-kick a consolation.

Those defeats gave a boost to Spennymoor Town's hopes of making the top five, and they ensured Mark Beesley`s tenure as Burscough boss got off to a bad start with a 1-0 verdict at Victoria Park, courtesy of Shane Henry`s goal right on half-time.

Second-bottom New Mills showed great spirit to battle back from 3-0 down at home against Clitheroe to share the spoils.

Sefton Gonzales with two and Jason Hart gave the visitors their 3-0 lead by the 41st minute. But a Dan Brady own goal 10 minutes after the break gave the Millers hope and then Daniel Forde on 77 minutes and a last-gasp Matt Landregan effort salvaged a draw.

Elsewhere, a goal from Tom Kilifin eight minutes from time saw Lancaster City to victory at the Giant Axe against Ossett Albion, while Brighouse Town triumphed 3-1 at Stainton Park against fourth-bottom Radcliffe Borough, Daniel Lafferty`s own goal, Danny Hull and Ryan Hall outgunning Sam Cook for the hosts.