Saturday's Premier Division action review

Saturday was a disappointing one for second placed Buxton in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Leaders Skelmersdale United could only manage a 1-1 draw at Causeway Lane against Matlock Town but the second-placed Bucks were left nine points adrift after going down to a 3-0 defeat at inconsistent Rushall Olympic.

Niall McManus gave Matlock an early seven minute lead but Skem could only breach the Gladiators` defence once when Danny Mitchley equalised 20 minutes from time.

Rushall bounced back from their run of five straight league defeats in some style by beating Buxton at Dales Lane.

Jack Duggan gave the Pics a 19th minute lead that Carlton McKenzie doubled just before half-time. And Aaron Williams` effort on the hour-mark completed a fine win for Richard Sneekes` side.

Curzon Ashton are third after a 3-1 success at The Walks against King`s Lynn Town.

Ryan Brooke bagged a brace for the visitors after 28 and 54 minutes to give Curzon a two-goal cushion. George Thomson reduced the arrears from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, only for Andy Watson to make it 3-1 and game over 12 minutes from time.

Ramsbottom United slipped to fourth after losing 2-0 at The Grove against Halesowen Town.

The experienced Iyesden Christie gave the Yeltz a 13th minute lead. That was doubled three minutes before half-time by Elliott Turner and Rammy were unable to find a response in the second period.

Despite their off-field problems, Grantham Town are still going well on it, despite losing several players and one half of their joint-management team following a recent budget cut.

They occupy the final play-off spot after edging a seven-goal thriller at The Meres against lowly Trafford. And it can be described as a `game of two halves` as all seven goals were scored at the same end!

The Gingerbreads led 4-0 at the interval with goals from Scott Hellewell after 19 minutes, Rhys Lewis four minutes later, Jordan Hempenstall on 32 minutes and Alex Simmons three minutes after that.

Will Ahern reduced the arrears three minutes after the break and Simmons had a great chance to make it 5-1 shortly afterwards but his penalty was saved. That led to a nervy finale as Shelton Payne on 65 minutes and then Michael Oates in time added on, pulled it back to 3-4, but the home side just held on.

FC United of Manchester are just a point shy of Grantham in sixth after a comprehensive 4-0 win against second-bottom Witton Albion at Bower Fold in front of a crowd of 1,988.

Matthew Wolfenden gave the Reds a great start with a brace in the third and fifth minutes. It got worse for Albion when Luke Ashworth added a third for the home side in the ninth minute. But the avalanche was halted, at least until the 32nd minute when Jerome Wright made it 4-0.

The visitors` firmed up in the second period and FC United slackened off the pace a little as the game ended 4-0.

Barwell's six-game unbeaten run in the league came to an end at Hurst Cross against Ashton United.

And it was Martin Pilkington who was the home side`s hero, netting a hat-trick with goals in the 24th, 60th and 84th minutes – Anthony Carney earlier equalising five minutes after half-time.

Whitby Town enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win at the Turnbull Ground against Stamford AFC.

Matty Brown have the Seasiders a 16th minute lead. However, it wasn`t until just past the hour-mark that Ross Gardner managed to double the home side's lead and then Matthew Waters added a third with 18 minutes remaining.

Bottom-markers Belper Town made the long trek up to Workington AFC and came home empty handed after a 3-0 defeat.

Matty Tymon gave the Reds a crucial lead right on the stroke of half-time. Tymon doubled the home side's lead seven minutes into the second half and then sub Joe Mwasile added a third in stoppage time.

Third-bottom Marine AFC and Stourbridge shared a 1-1 draw at the Arriva Stadium where both goals came within four minutes of each other in the first half, Andy Fowler giving the Mariners a 24th minute lead that Karl Clair`s unfortunate own goal cancelled out shortly afterwards.