Saturday's Premier Division action review

AFC Fylde and Chorley are level on points at the top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Premier Division table but neither was able to win on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

The Coasters were held to a 2-2 home draw by mid-table Buxton, who led twice. Leon Osborne gave them a 13th minute lead that Danny Lloyd-McGoldrick cancelled out right on half-time. The experienced Lee Morris restored the visitors' lead 12 minutes after the restart but the Bucks were unable to hold on again as Jack Dorney levelled 15 minutes from time.

Chorley were also held to a draw at Kettering Road by lowly Stamford AFC. Former Rushden & Diamonds and England 'C' midfielder Andy Burgess gave the Daniels a 17th minute lead that Mark Ross equalised on 35 minutes. Despite trying, the Magpies were unable to find a winner that would have taken them to the summit.

Skelmersdale United moved back into third place after edging out Barwell at the West Lancs College Stadium. In-form striker Dean Astbury grabbed the only goal of the game after 57 minutes to hand Skem the points that take them to within two points of the top two.

Skem moved above Blyth Spartans who, despite coming back from 2-0 down, could only manage a draw against Nantwich Town at Croft Park. Ollie Devenney gave the Dabbers an early seventh minute lead that Aaron Burns doubled from the penalty spot 12 minutes later. No doubt with a half-time rollicking still ringing in their ears, Spartans reduced the deficit through Arjun Purewal on 54 minutes and almost immediately afterwards Dan Maguire equalised. However, the Dabbers weathered the storm to hold on for a share of the spoils.

Ilkeston FC complete the top five after edging out third-bottom Stocksbridge Park Steels by the odd goal in five at Bracken Moor. Nathan Joynes gave the home side a great start by converting a third minute spot-kick. But Kane Richards levelled within nine minutes and Joe Maguire put the visiting Robins in front on 26 minutes. Nick Swirad equalised for Steels eight minutes before half-time, only for Danny Gordon to score what proved to be Ilkeston's winner just a minute after it.

Ilkeston are one of six teams level on twenty points – the others being Matlock Town, King`s Lynn Town, Ashton United, Marine and Rushall Olympic.

Matlock became the latest team to beat bottom-markers Droylsden, winning 4-1 at the Butcher's Arms with a brace of penalties from Darryl Thomas after 20 and 49 minutes, and after Dylan Mahoney had levelled on 63 minutes, goals from Corey Gregory after 76 minutes and Danny Holland in stoppage time.

Lynn beat Whitby Town fairly comfortably 3-0 at The Walks, courtesy of goals from Dan Jacob after 34 minutes, Andy Hall just before the break and Dan Quigley in the 57th minute.

Rushall beat Ashton 2-1 at Dales Lane to join them on twenty points. Martin Pilkington gave the visitors a 17th minute lead that Kristian Ramsey-Dickson turned round – leveling four minutes before the interval and putting the Pics ahead nine minutes after it.

Marine also lost, becoming FC United of Manchester`s first victims since September 9th, thanks to a 58th minute header by Greg Daniels at Stalybridge Celtic's Bower Fold.

Stafford Rangers remain second-bottom after going down to a 2-0 defeat at Frickley Athletic. Goals from Luke Hinsley after five minutes and then Korey Dyer-Stewart three minutes from the end saw the Blues extend their unbeaten league run to four games.

Witton Albion earned a best of five win at Sandy Lane against Worksop Town, who found themselves a goal down after 22 minutes through Dave Walker. Conor Higginson pulled the Tigers back on terms in the 34th minute and then Phil Roe put them in front with 63 minutes gone. But Walker`s second brought Albion level six minutes later and Josh Hancock grabbed their winner with 15 minutes left.

Grantham Town earned a 2-1 win at The Meres against Trafford. Gregg Smith gave the Gingerbreads an 11th minute lead that Shelton Payne cancelled out on 34 minutes. What proved to be the winner for the hosts came from Rhys Lewis two minutes after half-time.