Saturday's Premier Division action review

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Premier Division leaders North Ferriby United will be relieved after being held to a 2-2 draw by mid-table Ilkeston FC and then discovering that second-placed Hednesford Town had only managed a point on Saturday too, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Ferriby took a ninth minute lead at the New Manor Ground through Danny Clarke, but were pegged back ten minutes before half-time when Aaron Hooton equalised. Kevin Wilson's young Robins then shocked the leaders by taking the lead on 63 minute, courtesy of Bermudan striker Antwan Russell. But Ryan Kendall rescued the visitors with a leveller 15 minutes from time.

And that goal could prove vital come the end of the season after the Pitmen – the only side who can prevent Ferriby from taking the title – were held to a goalless draw by Marine at the Arriva Stadium – a result that, despite being decent, does little to help the Mariners own play-off hopes.

Two play-off contenders, FC United of Manchester and Witton Albion, met at Gigg Lane and Shaun Tuck's 27th minute effort saw Albion take the spoils and leapfrog their hosts into third in front of a crowd of 1,741.

Rushall Olympic also dropped two home points as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Ashton United at Dales Lane.

AFC Fylde, who have games in hand, look favourites to take one of the play-off spots but they went down to a 2-1 defeat to Matlock Town at Causeway Lane. Joe Leesley gave the Glaidators a sixth minute lead that Massiah McDonald doubled after 28 minutes. In reply, all the Coasters could muster was a stoppage time Sean Cooke effort.

Chorley remain in contention after beating Stafford Rangers 2-0 at Victory Park, thanks to goals from Adam Roscoe after six minutes and then Darren Stephenson with two minutes remaining.

Buxton are five points off the pace after being held to a 1-1 draw at Silverlands by fourth-bottom Granthan Town. Sam Duncum gave the hosts the boost of a goal right on half-time, only for the Gingerbreads to battle back with a Jordan Smith leveller on 65 minutes.

At the other end of the table, second-bottom Kendal Town had a bad day as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Turnbull Ground against Whitby Town, for whom Steve Snaith scored the only goal after 58 minutes. They then saw third-bottom Stocksbridge Park Steels edge out Frickley Athletic by the odd goal in seven at Bracken Moor to move three points clear.

The home side took the lead through Brett Bowden-Lovell after 14 minutes but Callum Howe powered in a header following a corner to equalise 11 minutes later. Danny South headed in Steels' second eight minutes before half-time.

The Blues turned the game on its head early in the second half, Gavin Allott equalising from the penalty spot on 57 minutes after James Burgess had been brought down and two minutes later Luke Hinsley saw his angled shot deflected in to give Frickley the lead.

However, Nathan Joynes was allowed a free header to equalise on 72 minutes and things went from bad to worse in the first minute of time added on when Nathan Forbes-Swindells was allowed time to turn and score from inside the box to win it for Steels.

Elsewhere, Blyth Spartans won 3-2 at Croft Park against Worksop Town, coming back from being a 57th minute Leon Mettam goal down to move 3-1 ahead with goals from Robbie Dale, who had already missed a spot-kick, on 70 minutes, Craig Hubbard from the spot on 84 and Lee Mason twp minutes from time. Ashley Burbeary reduced the arrears in stoppage time.

And a Harry Clayton penalty 11 minutes after half-time sealed a 1-0 win for Nantwich Town at the Weaver Stadium against already-doomed Eastwood Town.