Saturday's First Division North review

By David Watters

Evo-Stik NPL First Division North

Warrington Town moved eight points clear at the top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's First Division North table on Saturday after a last gasp winner from substitute Ash Ruane secured a 2-1 win at Radcliffe Borough, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

With second-placed Curson Ashton otherwise engaged in the FA Trophy, Warrington extended their lead at the top of the table. But they were made to work hard by their hosts who belied their position near the bottom of the table with a battling performance that almost saw them hold the runaway league leaders to a draw.

Warrington dominated much of the first half and took the lead after 31 minutes thanks to an angled Scott Metcalfe shot from outside the box. The hosts were denied an equaliser on 47 minutes when Josh Cook saved well from Jake Parker before they did draw level, Bradley Robinson racing clear to slot home. With the game moving into stoppage time up stepped Ruane to calmly score from a corner to grab all three points for the leaders.

Bamber Bridge, Farsley AFC and Darlington 1883 complete the top five and all three won on Saturday.

Brig saw off Wakefield 3-0 at Belle Vue with goals from Tom Williams after 22 minutes, Chris Marlow 12 minutes after the break and Ali Waddecar eight minutes from time.

Farsley edged out Lancaster City 2-1 at Throstle Nest, a result that's saw the Dolly Blues slip out of the play-off zone. They had led through Ryan Winder`s 22nd minute effort until the 68th minute when Rob O`Brien equalised from the penalty spot. And then five minutes from time Aiden Savory won it for the Yorkshie side.

The Quakers won by the same scoreline at Seel Park against Mossley AFC. The visitors raced into a 2-0 lead inside 13 minutes with goals from Stephen Thompson and Amar Purewal. Louis Horne reduced the deficit with 15 minutes to go, but Darlo held on for the points.

Cammell Laird beat Padiham 2-0 at home, courtesy of goals from Jamie Henders after 67 minutes and Craig Cairns three minutes later, while Ramsbottom United leap-frogged hosts Kendal Town into eighth after a best of five win at Parkside.

Lee Gaskell after five minutes and Jordan Hulme seven minutes after half-time had Rammy in control. Danny Coid reduced the arrears four minutes later, only for a Martin Grundy own goal to restore the visitors` two-goal cushion that Danny Mitchley reduced 10 minutes from time.

The remaining games were all drawn with Burscough and bottom-markers Ossett Albion failing to produce a goal between then at Victoria Park.

Albion's neighbours Town fell a goal behind after just five minutes at Ingfield when Harrogate Railway Athletic's Rob Youhill netted before Calum Ward equalised right on the stroke of half-time.

Lloyd Dean bagged a first half brace to give Clitheroe a 2-0 lead against Prescot Cables at Valerie Park. But the home side battled back to level through Ged Murphy on 79 minutes and Isaac Kusaloka three minutes after that.

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