Saturday's Premier Division action review

On a rare full Saturday fixture list, Chorley must have feared having their lead cut at the top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Premier table after being held to a 2-2 draw at struggling Witton Albion, but second-placed Skelmersdale United were beaten at Matlock Town, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Witton came into the game needing the points just as desperately as the Magpies, but for different reasons as they were occupying fourth-bottom spot.

They got off to a great start at Wincham Park in front of a crowd of just under 500 with two goals in five minutes midway through the half from Josh Hancock and then Alex Titchiner.

Albion held that two-goal lead going into the break and right until eight minutes from time when Chris Almond`s scuffed effort went in over the keeper. Bouyed by that, Chorley poured forward looking for the equaliser, which eventually came five minutes into stoppage time from Brandon Zibaka.

Garry Flitcroft`s side maintain their four-point lead though as Skem were beaten 2-1 at Causeway Lane by a Matlock side still in contention for a play-off challenge.

Shaun Tuton put the Gladiators in front after 20 minutes but was then shown a straight red card. Dean Astbury immediately pulled Skem back on level terms after 32 minutes, but the home side held on until half-time.

Their re-organistation saw the Gladiators frustrate the high-flying visitors and shock them by going 2-1 up through Danny Holland with 16 minutes to go. And they held on for three hard-earned points.

Worksop Town are now just a point behind Skem after a narrow 3-2 home verdict against second-bottom Stocksbridge Park Steels.

The Tigers took the lead on 26 minutes when Tom Denton slotted home from Leon Mettam’s cross. Eight minutes later and the Steels were back on level terms as Nathan Joynes found space on the edge of the area to fire past Jonathan Stewart. However, Worksop regained the lead straight from the kick-off, Shane Clarke getting behind the Steels defence to shoot past Jack Ward.

Mettam then made it 3-1 just four minutes into the second half from the penalty spot after former Worksop player Ben Turner had held Denton down. On 58 minutes another former Tiger, Matt Telling, curled a free-kick into the bottom corner to make the score 3-2 but the home side held on for three big points.

The Tigers moved above AFC Fylde into third place after the Coasters were held to a 1-1 draw at Croft Park by seventh-placed Blyth Spartans.

Danny Maguire gave Spartans a 35th minute lead – a lead they held until four minutes from time when Ritchie Allen rescued a point for the visitors.

FC United of Manchester hold fifth-place on goal difference from Ashton United as both enjoyed comfortable wins.

FC United eased to a 4-1 win against already-relegated Droylsden in front of a crowd of just under 2000 at Gigg Lane.

It took 33 minutes for the home side to breakdown the Bloods with a goal from Adam Jones, but within a minute it was 2-0 – Matthew Wolfenden adding the second.

A minute before half-time Jerome Wright made it 3-0 and 12 minute into the second period former Blood Liam Brownhill threatened a hammering when he made it 4-0. But the foot was taken off the gas somewhat and allowed Droylsden a consolation 18 minutes from time through Sam Madeley.

Ashton went one better at Hurst Cross against play-off contenders King's Lynn Town, who started the day above their hosts in the table.

But it was a bad day at the office for Lynn, who fell behind to a Jack Higgins goal in the 14th minute and Dale Johnson made it 2-0 on the half-hour mark. Former Coventry winger David Bell reduced the arrears a minute before half-time, only for Martin Pilkington to add Ashton`s third in injury-time at the end of the half.

Five minutes into the second half it was game over as Matty Kosylo made it 4-1 to the home side, although Bell had a chance to reduce the deficit midway through the half, but missed from the penalty spot. Dale Johnson eventually made it a nap hand for the hosts 11 minute from time and Lynn`s misery was complete when they had Robin Fryatt sent-off near the end.

Rushall Olympic and Whitby Town are also in top five contention, although it wasn`t a great day for them either.

The Pics were held to a 2-2 draw at Dales Lane by Buxton, who raced into a 2-0 lead with goals from on-loan Liam Hardy on 22 minutes and Josh Davies 20 minutes later. Stanley Mugisha reduced the arrears a couple of minutes before the break and then the home side grabbed a last-gasp point, courtesy of a James Dance penalty.

Whitby were beaten 3-1 at The Meres by a Grantham Town side now seven points clear of the drop zone.

Paul Grimes put the Gingerbreads ahead after only 8 minutes, but Craig Farrell equalised 14 minutes later. Deaon Meikle restored the home side`s lead eight minutes before half-time and Lee Ridley made sure of the points with number three six minutes into the second half.

Stamford AFC took a great stride towards safety by beating fellow strugglers Stafford Rangers 2-0 at Kettering Road.

Shawn Richards gave the Daniels a crucial lead right on the half-time whistle. And on 62 minutes Alvin Jarvis doubled the home side`s lead and earn victory to keep Graham Heathcote`s side deep in trouble, a massive fourteen points adrift of fifth-bottom Barwell, who also lost on Saturday.

Frickley Athletic came from behind to gain a crucial 2-1 victory over the Canaries at Westfield Lane.

Barwell took advantage of a defensive lapse to take the lead just before half-time through Luke Barlone. But the Blues forced the pace more in the second half and deservedly equalised through Sam Denton in the 75th minute.
before Luke Hinsley steered home the winner with four minutes to play/

The win sees Frickley move six points clear of the relegation zone although fourth bottom Witton have four games in hand and fifth bottom Barwell have two games in hand with three points fewer.

Elsewhere, Trafford beat Marine at home, thanks to a Dale Wright own goal 18 minutes from time, while the game between Nantwich Town and Ilkeston FC ended all-square at 2-2 at the Weaver Stadium.

Matt Richards put the Robins ahead in the 10th minute, only for Aaron Burns to level from the spot five minutes later. Steve Foster then gave the Dabbers the advantage on 36 minutes, but Joe Maguire assured a share of the spoils with the leveller six minutes into the second period.