Saturday's Premier Division action review

Saturday turned out to be a very good day for Skelmersdale United as they extended their lead at the top of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's top flight to six points after they beat struggling Witton Albion and second-placed Buxton lost at Ramsbottom United, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

An early third minute Danny Wisdom effort eventually proved enough for Skem against second-bottom Witton, while at the Riverside, Rammy slipped into fourth place, goals from Osebi Abadaki after 49 minutes and Phil Dean 20 minutes later were enough to see off the Bucks.

Curzon Ashton sandwich Buxton and Ramsbottom in third after they beat Trafford 2-1 at the Tameside Stadium.

Ryan Brooke gave the home side a 14th minute lead that Michael Oates cancelled out from the penalty spot in the 27th minute. But another spot-kick, converted by Sam Walker, turned out to be the winner with 16 minutes remaining.

King's Lynn Town occupy the last top five spot after beating struggling Marine AFC 3-1 at The Walks.

A crowd of 536 saw Andy Fowler shock the home fans by putting the Mariners in front with a 15th minute penalty. Crucially, Stephen Spriggs levelled three minutes before half-time and then gave the Linnets the lead seconds after the restart. George Thomson made sure for Lynn with number three 11 minutes from time.

Ilkeston FC are just a place and a point shy of King`s Lynn after beating another promotion rival in FC United of Manchester, 3-1 at the New Manor Ground in front of 775 supporters.

The Robins ultimately killed off their opponents with three goals in 11 first half minutes, starting with Che Adams after 25 minutes, Rob Duffy four minutes later and then Kane Richards. Jerome Wright threatened a comeback with a 53rd minute penalty, but it never materialised and the score remained 3-1.

Ilkeston moved above Rushall Olympic in the table after the Pics suffered a 5-1 hammering at their own Dales Lane ground by Whitby Town, who are now eighth.

After Charlie Reece had given Rushall the lead ion five minutes, the outcome seemed to look predictable, but the visitors took the game to the Pics and came out emphatic winners with goals from Lee Mason after 19 minutes, Steve Snaith nine minutes later and Liam Shepherd on 38 minutes. And then second half goals from Snaith again and Craig Farrell completed the Seasiders' nap hand.

Despite appointing caretaker bosses Jon Froggatt and Mark Ward as permanent managers at Belper Town, the Nailers remain bottom after losing 2-0 at Westfield Lane against Frickley Athletic.

Top scorer Gavin Allott bagged a brace for the home side, breaking the deadlock right on half-time and then adding a second from the spot 10 minutes from time.

Blyth Spartans remain in third-bottom spot after suffering a 2-1 defeat at much-improved Barwell.

Anthony Carney bagged a brace for the Canaries, opening the scoring after 18 minutes and then netting the winner 19 minutes from time after Robbie Dale had levelled from the spot after 27 minutes.

Alex Simmons left it very late before notching the only goal of the game at The Meres against visiting Workington AFC in stoppage time.

Ashton United recorded a 3-1 success at the Weaver Stadium against Nantwich Town after taking an early fifth minute lead through Matty Chadwick.

Max Harrop equalised in the 27th minute, only for Chadwick to restore the visitors` lead less than a minute later. Recent signing Lee Rick made sure with a third on 56 minutes.

Matlock Town moved out of the bottom four after a 4-1 Causeway Lane win over Stourbridge.

James Ashmore gave the Gladiators an 18th minute lead that Jordan Fitzpatrick cancelled out in the 31st minute. Phil Roe eventually restored the home side`s lead five minutes after half-time and then Danny Holland from the spot and Lavelle White, added two more in the final eight minutes.

Ben Haseley looked as though he`d won all three points for Halesowen Town at The Grove against Stamford AFC when he broke the deadlock with less than five minutes to go. But the Daniels grabbed a leveller in injury-time through Ryan Clarke.