Saturday's Premier Division action review

The opening day of the 2014-15 EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Premier Division season was a mixed one for the newcomers, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Switched Stourbridge started well, beating Whitby Town 2-1 at Amblecote in front of a decent crowd of 415.

After the Seasiders` long journey, it started badly when Jordan Fitzpatrick gave the Glassboys a 19th minute lead. But Liam Shepherd equalised seven minutes after half-time before Sean Gedded popped up with the home side's winner with nine minutes remaining.

Curzon Ashton, promoted from the First Division North, earned a last-gasp win at the Tameside Stadium when Niall Cummins popped up with the only goal of the game in the 89th minute against Marine AFC.

Ramsbottom United, who came up with Curzon, fared less well, falling to a late defeat at the Riverside to fancied King's Lynn Town.

A crowd of 322 saw Rammy playing at their highest ever level and witnessed them racing into a 2-0 lead inside the opening nine minutes with goals from Jon Robinson and Jordan Hulme. Robin Fryatt began Lynn`s comeback in the 26th minute but it could have been curtains for the visitors when Rammy were awarded a penalty shortly after the break.

Unfortunately for the home side last season's `golden boot` winner Lee Gaskell put his shot over and lifted by the miss, Fryatt equalised on 65 minutes before George Thompson won it for the visitors with less than three minutes remaining.

The two teams who won promotion from First Division South, Halesowen Town and Belper Town, both drew on the opening day.

The Yeltz grabbed a last-gasp point at Skelmersdale United, courtesy of Danny Bragoli`s injury-time leveller after Matt Sargeant's own goal had given Skem the lead after 74 minutes.

The Nailers were held to a 2-2 draw at Christchurch Meadow by Ashton United, who raced into a 2-0 lead with goals from Chris Baguley after nine minutes and Richard Bennett six minutes later. But the home side grabbed a point with two goals in six minutes midway through the second half from Kieran Wells and Regan Eldridge.

Relegated Workington suffered a 2-1 defeat on their longest journey to South Lincolnshire to take on Stamford AFC.

And that despite taking an early ninth minute lead through Kyle May. Ryan Robbins grabbed a brace for the Daniels in the 69th and 73rd minutes to snatch victory.

Ilkeston FC were the day`s biggest winners – hammering Witton Albion 4-1 on their own Wincham Park patch.

A crowd of 381 saw Scott Bakkor give the Albion a 28th minute lead but the Robins battled back to pull level through Jack Lane 11 minutes after the break with a stunning 30-yarder. Rob Duffy on 68 minutes and Kane Richards five minutes later pulled Ilkeston 3-1 ahead before the experienced Duffy made it 4-1 from the spot after he had been fouled nine minutes from the end.

The biggest crowd of the day – 439 – saw Blyth Spartans beat Grantham Town 2-1 at Croft Park.

Danny Maguire gave the home side a 24th minute lead that Paul Robinson eventually doubled with 20 minutes remaining. Sam Puricoe reduced the arrears with fur minutes to go but despite plenty of extra-time due to injury to the referee, the Gingerbreads were unable to find an equaliser.

Nantwich Town started well with a 1-0 win at Silverlands against Buxton, thanks to a 71st minute Mark Jones effort.

Trafford and Matlock Town couldn`t find a goal between them at Shawe View, while Frickley Athletic and Rushall Olympic shared a 1-1 draw at Westfield Lane where a Gavin Caines' own goal put the home side in front after 27 minutes. But Richard Sneekes` debut as Pics` boss ended with a point as Jack Duggan popped up with an 84th minute leveller.