Saturday's Premier Division action review

Frozen pitches saw four matches postponed in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division on Saturday and leaders North Ferriby United are probably wishing they had been one of them after falling to a shock defeat, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Ferriby were beaten at home for only the second time this season as AFC Fylde rekindled their play-off hopes with a 1-0 win, courtesy of James Dean strike 11 minutes from time.

Ferriby still possess a four-point lead from Hednesford Town, whose game was off, while Fylde are seven points adrift of the top five but have games in hand on most around and above them.

Third-placed FC United of Manchester got their game on at Gigg Lane and a crowd of 1,929 saw them earn a late 82nd minute victory against Ilkeston FC, Adam Jones grabbing three vital points to back their ambitions.

Marine and Witton Albion complete the top five, although only the latter managed three points as the Mariners were held to a 1-1 draw by the side now sitting immediately below the play-off spots, Rushall Olympic. Will Jones gave the Mariners a 37th minute lead but Ahmed Obeng eventually earned the Pics a point with a penalty 12 minutes from time.

Witton won 2-1 at Causeway Lane against Matlock Town to move into fifth spot. Anthony Gardner opened the visitors' account from the spot after 32 minutes and then Anthony Sheehan doubled that lead around the hour-mark. Martin Foster reduced the arrears with 14 minutes to go but the Gladiators were unable to find a leveller.

Worksop Town's play-off hopes took a blow when they went down to a 2-0 Sandy Lane defeat to mid-table Nantwich Town. Both goals came in the final eight minutes, Darren Moss giving the Dabbers the lead and then Josh Lane adding the second.

Bottom-markers Eastwood Town fell to their twenty-fourth defeat of the season to date with Whitby Town leaving Coronation Park with a 2-0 verdict, won with goals from Shane Henry after 25 minutes and Graeme Armstrong just before the hour-mark.

The only other game to go ahead on Saturday between strugglers Frickley Athletic and Grantham Town ended in an uninspiring goalless draw that won't satisfy either side.