Saturday's Premier Division action review

North Ferriby United showed their credentials as leaders of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Premier Division by beating fancied Chorley at Victory Park on Saturday to maintain their six-point lead at the top of the table, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Many of the 690 crowd had left assuming they'd seen a goalless draw only for Liam King to grab a winner for Ferriby in time added on. Ashton United stay second after securing a 3-1 success at the Turnbull Ground against Whitby Town, who are back to fourth-bottom.

Aaron Burns gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot after less than five minutes. But it wasn't until 11 minutes into the second half that Ashton eventually doubled their lead through Arjun Purewal. Burns swiftly made it virtually game over with a third just three minutes later, with top scorer Nathan Mulligan pulling one back for the Seasiders from the spot three minutes after that.

Witton Albion, Hednesford Town and Marine complete the top five, with the Pitmen being the only one of those three failing to win on Saturday.

They were held to a 3-3 draw at struggling Stocksbridge Park Steels, who fought back from 3-1 down to take a point. Alex Callery had given Steels an eigth minute lead at Bracken Moor, only for Ben Bailey to level within two minutes.

Hednesford then took the lead through Aaron Rey on 36 minutes and when Elliott Durrell made it 3-1 after 64 minutes, it looked all over for the hosts. But Matt Hamshare reduced the arrears four minutes later and then Jordan Thewlis equalised and there was still 20 minutes left to play, but neither were able to find a winner.

Witton made light work of another side at the wrong end of the table, Frickley Athletic, hitting five without reply at Wincham Park.

Dan Andrews set the home side off and running after nine minutes and he doubled that 12 minutes later. Ashley Stott immediately after the break added a third and then Ollie James made it 4-0 on 65 minutes, with Andrews completing his hat-trick 17 minutes from time.

Marine had to make do with just a single goal at the Arriva Stadium against Grantham Town.

But Matt Devine's 25th minute effort was enough to keep the Mariners in the play-off places. Worksop Town are sixth and in the end are probably grateful for a point at AFC Fylde as their equaliser came in stoppage time.

Tom Denton gave the Tigers the lead five minutes before half-time and then Michael Barnes pulled the home side back on level terms 12 minutes after the restart. Four minutes from the end of normal time Adam Farrell looked to have won it for Dave Challinor`s side when he made it 2-1, only for Denton to grab that last-gasp leveller for the Tigers.

Matlock Town earned local bragging rights by condemning neighbours Ilkeston FC to second bottom place still and a 2-0 win at the New Manor Ground.

A decent crowd of 612 saw James Ashmore give the Gladiators the lead two minutes after half-time and then Massiah McDonald maintained his good recent scoring form by making it 2-0 on the hour-mark.

Blyth Spartans ensured Eastwood Town stayed at the foot of the table with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Croft Park, courtesy of Joe Kendrick's early seventh minute strike.

Kendal Town moved above Whitby into eighteenth place after Scott Harries' quickfire brace earned the Cumbrians a vital 2-1 win at Silverlands against Buxton.

The home side led through Michael Towey`s 25th minute effort and then Harries hit them with a double on 54 and 57 minutes.

Rushall Olympic produced one of the results of the day by disappointing the majority of the 1,795 crowd at Gigg Lane by comprehensively beating FC United of Manchester.

Hakeem Islam gave the Pics a 25th minute lead that Dave Walker doubled just before the break. Islam scored his second and the visitors' third seven minutes after half-time, with Walker joining him on the brace trail to make it 4-0 and game over on 66 minutes.

Stafford Rangers came away from the Weaver Stadium with a hard earned point after a 1-1 draw against Nantwich Town.

Luke George gave the Rangers the lead on the stroke of half-time but a 73rd minute Niall Maguire goal ensured both teams had to settle for a point.