Saturday's Premier Division action review

There were only a handful of matches in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Premier Division on Saturday due to the FA Trophy and Skelmersdale United took full advantage, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Tommy Lawson's side took the opportunity to move four points clear at the top of the table after winning 2-0 at struggling Stafford Rangers. Shaun Tuck proved to be Skem`s hero on a wild and windy afternoon at Marston Road, bagging both early goals in the fourth and eighth minutes that eventually sealed the points.

Ilkeston FC are fifth as hosts Frickley Athletic were made to pay for missing too many chances at Westfield Lane.

For the second home game in succession Frickley missed a hat-full of chances but this time failed to convert any leaving Matt Baker's 71st minute header following a corner to settle the game in the Robins' favour.

Worksop Town are a point behind the Robins after edging a seven-goal thriller at Sandy Lane against Barwell.

The result saw two players score hat-tricks – with Tom Denton giving the Tigers a 16th minute lead that Connor Gudger – on loan from Tamworth – cancelled out three minutes later. Leon Mettam then netted the first of his three from the penalty spot on 25 minutes, only for Gudger to score his second immediately after the break.

Gudger was the first to complete his hat-trick to make it 3-2 to Barwell just two minutes later. But Mettam matched him by equalising six minutes later and then scoring what proved to be the winner five minutes after that.

Third-bottom Stocksbridge Park Steels also got the better of a 4-3 scoreline at Bracken Moor against Grantham Town.

Goals from Stephen Hoyle and Will Senior in the eighth and 13th minutes gave Steels a two-goal cushion that Matt Hamshaw made even bigger nine minutes later.

Gregg Smith then pulled two back for the Gingerbreads after 29 and 35 minutes. Five minutes into the second half and Danny South had added the home side's fourth, and although Michael Towey pulled a third back four minutes later, this time Steels' defence held on.

Steve Snaith scored twice as Whitby Townb pushed Stamford AFC further towards trouble.

Snaith gave the Seasiders a 12th minute lead at Kettering Road and then doubled that just before half-time. Ryan Robbins' 58th minute spot-kick reduced the deficit for the Daniels but they were unable to find a leveller.

King's Lynn Town moved up to eighth after a 2-1 win against Ashton United at The Walks.

The day's biggest crowd of just over 500 saw Kayde Coppin give the visitors a 17th minute lead – a lead they held until a minute after half-time when Ryan Fryatt equalised. George Thomson grabbed what proved to be the Linnets' winner with 17 minutes left on the clock.