Saturday's Premier Division action review

No team in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division now possesses a 100 percent record after just three matches of the new 2013-14 season, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Buxton, Marine and AFC Fylde lead the fledling table on seven points apiece, with the Bucks dropping their first points of the campaign in a 1-1 draw at the Butcher's Arms against a Droylsden side who had lost both their opening games.

Both goals came early on, with Porya Ahmadi giving the Bloods a sixth minute lead that Lee Morris cancelled out just four minutes later. But Dave Pace`s side held on to record their first point after being relegated at the end of last season.

The Mariners inflicted a first defeat on Ilkeston FC, winning 2-1 at the New Manor Ground after taking the lead five minutes before half-time through Dean Astbury. James Reid pulled the Robins back on level terms with 16 minutes to go, but Matthew Devine won it for the visitors with five minutes remaining.

Fylde made the long trek over to Lincolnshire to take on Grantham Town at The Meres and triumphed by the same scoreline. However, it was the Gingerbreads who led through Gregg Smith`s 29th minute effort. But the lead lasted barely four minutes as Michael Barnes equalised and then two minutes after the restart Matthew Blinkhorn scored what proved to be the Coasters` winner.

Surprisingly Stafford Rangers and Witton Albion are still looking for their first point of the new season after both suffered home defeats.

Rangers were comprehensively beaten 4-1 at Marston Road by newly-promoted Trafford, who took a 22nd minute lead through Andrew Smart. Michael Lennon equalised three minutes later, but that was as good as it got for the hosts as Smart added his and Trafford`s second on 67 minutes and then Alirou Nsangou and Shelton Payne made it 4-1 in the final 10 minutes.

Witton were beaten 2-1 at Wincham Park by Barwell, who have been switched from the Southern League. The Canaries came back from being a 33rd minute Danny Andrews goal down to win, courtesy of Luke Blakely on 70 minutes and Danny Newton in injury-time.

Chorley, Whitby Town, Ashton United and Blyth Spartans are yet to taste defeat, although all four drew on Saturday.

Chorley and Whitby shared a goalless encounter at Victory Park, Ashton came back from a 32nd minute Matty Hughes goal down at Skelmersdale United to earn a point through Martin Pilkington`s 58th minute effort, while Blyth were 3-1 up at Croft Park against Worksop Town before having to share the spoils.

Jack Muldoon gave the Tigers a 19th minute lead. But goals from Robbie Dale on 37 minutes, Joe Kendrick from the spot eight minutes after half-time and debutant Arran Wearmouth just past the hour-mark gave Spartans their advantage. However, Muldoon reduced the deficit on 79 minutes and Leon Mettam grabbed a last-gasp equaliser for Worksop.

A crowd of 1,629 saw FC United of Manchester record their first win in emphatic style - scoring six goals without reply against newly-promoted Stamford AFC at Gigg Lane. Tom Greaves hit a hat-trick with goals in the 7th, 30th and 54th minutes, Matty Walwyn bagged a brace in the final 10 minutes and Matthew Wolfenden sandwiched the other after 29 minutes.

Frickley Athletic also broke their duck in the win column, beating Rushall Olympic 4-2 at Westfield Lane. Luke Hinsley gave the hosts` an early fifth minute lead that Luke Bottomer cancelled out from the penalty spot after 20 minutes. But Gavin Allott put the Blues back in front when he converted a 32nd minute penalty following a foul on Hinsley.

Allott finished off an excellent move on 50 minutes to stretch the home side`s lead but Ahmed Obeng reduced the arrears on 62 minutes only for Allott to restore the two-goal advantage four minutes later.

Elsewhere, Matlock Town beat Nantwich Town 2-1 at Causeway Lane, taking a 17th minute lead through Michael Harcourt before being pegged back by Harry Clayton just before half-time. Corey Pearce scored what proved to be the Gladiators` winner on 63 minutes.

And finally an amazing game at The Walks saw King`s Lynn Town and Stocksbridge Park Steels share six goals in front of a crowd of 617. The writing looked on the wall for Linnets as they went behind to goals from Ben Turner after 14 minutes and Nathan Joynes on 57 minutes.

However, Dan Jacob made it five goals in two matches by scoring twice on 67 and 73 minutes to help bring the hosts back on level terms. But in time added on, Lynn`s Steve Spriggs missed a penalty to earn his side a certain victory. But, in the end, it appeared not to have mattered as Sam Mulready seemed to have scrambled home a sure winner in the 96th minute.

Yet, inexplicably, the Linnets managed to blow victory when the ten-man visitors, who had keeper Ben Scott dismissed on the 90-minute mark, stole a late third in the 98th minute as substitute Lewis Akeister poked home.