Saturday's Premier Division action review

FC United of Manchester went nap at Grantham Town to go top of the fledgling Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division table on goal difference, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

FC United strolled to a 5-1 win at The Meres on Saturday, taking a 2-0 lead into the break with goals from Lee Neville on 28 minutes and Tom Greaves on 40. Gregg Smith reduced the deficit two minutes after the restart, but Matty Walwyn bagged a brace in the 68th and 84th minutes and then Jerome Wright made it 5-1 in stoppage time.

AFC Fylde and Ilkeston FC are also on ten points from five games and both also enjoyed stunning away victories.

The Coasters enjoyed a remarkable 6-1 win at Sandy Lane against a Worksop Town side who had lost only once before this. However, their fate was sealed by the 33rd minute by which time Fylde were 4-0 ahead! Matty Blinkhorn bagged a brace on 22 and 30 minutes, sandwiched by a Harry Winter effort on 24 minutes, with Danny Lloyd-McGoldrick adding the other.

Lloyd-McGoldrick scored the fifth just before the break, but at least the Tigers `drew` the second period, with Michael Barnes` 57th minute sixth being `cancelled out` by Conor Higginson 13 minutes from time.

Ilkeston won 4-2 at Marston Road to condemn hosts Stafford Rangers to a fifth successive defeat. Aaron Webster gave the Robins a 14th minute lead that Danny Quinn levelled 13 minutes later. Former Burton Albion favourite Webster restored the visitors` lead on 33 minutes.

However, Jon Sheldon`s 88th minute equaliser looked like breaking Rangers` duck – until Gary Ricketts made it 3-2 in the last minute and 5 minutes into stoppage time, Kane Richards added a fourth.

Marine suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 2-0 at Kirkby Road against Barwell. In-form Danny Newton gave the Canaries a 17th minute lead and they finally made sure of the points three minutes from time when Richard Lavery added the second.

Chorley, Ashton United and Whitby Town all remain unbeaten, but none of them managed a win on Saturday.

Frickley Athletic dug in to earn a hard fought point in a goalless draw against Chorley in a game in which both sides lacked cohesion for much of the game.

Ashton shared four goals at the Weaver Stadium against Nantwich Town where Aaron Burns` 50th minute effort broke the deadlock for the hosts. Lee Rick levelled from the spot on 63 minutes, only for Andy White to restore the Dabbers` lead five minutes later. Kayde Coppin pulled Ashton back on terms again with 15 minutes to go.

Whitby earned a point from a 1-1 draw at Silverlands against Buxton. Dave McTiernan finally gave the Seasiders a 67th minute lead that Mark Reed cancelled out with 14 minutes to go.

Droylsden continue to struggle following relegation and visiting Skelmersdale United continue to impress after promotion! Tommy Lawson`s side rattled the Bloods with two goals in three minutes – starting with Adam Morning in the 34th followed by new signing Nick Rogan. Alan Burton added the icing on the cake with a third in time added on.

Matlock Town earned a good 2-1 win at Croft Park against Blyth Spartans in which Danny Holland gave the Gladiators a 14th minute lead. Corey Gregory doubled their advantage seven minutes after half-time, and although Joe Kendrick reduced the arrears on 63 minutes, Mark Atkins` side held on.

Witton Albion made it two successive wins after edging out promoted King`s Lynn Town, courtesy of an 87th Shaun Tuck effort at Wincham Park.

Stamford AFC, who came up with Lynn, fared better at another of the newly-promoted teams, Trafford. A brace from recent signing Ryan Robbins after 45 and 72 minutes completed a good win for the Daniels.

Rushall Olympic were a goal up in the 22nd minute at Dales Lane against Stocksbridge Park Steels through Luke Bottomer's spot-kick. But Steels earned a share of the spoils when Nathan Joynes equalised just before half-time.