Saturday's Premier Division action review

It was not a good day for EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Premier Division leaders Skelmersdale United, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

They were held to a 1-1 draw at Stormy Corner by Grantham Town, while Curzon Ashton, Buxton and Ilkeston FC of the chasing pack all won to cut their lead at the top of the table to five points with Skem also have played more games than the others.

Stefan Bilyk gave the visiting Gingerbreads a 21st minute lead before Skem got back on level terms a minute before half-time through Aidan Kirkbride.

They were unable to find a winner and Grantham may be still down in ninth spot but they are now only two points off fifth-placed Ramsbottom United.

Second-placed Curzon enjoyed a good 2-1 win at the Weaver Stadium against Nantwich Town.

Harry Clayton gave the Dabbers a 13th minute lead – a lead they held until eight minutes into the second period when Niall Cummins equalised. And then 16 minutes from time, Ryan Brooke won it for the Tamesiders.

Third-placed Buxton enjoyed a more comprehensive 4-1 win over Stourbridge at Silverlands.

Shaun Tuton put the Bucks in front after 25 minutes and then Liam Hardy doubled that a couple of minutes before half-time. Drew Canavan briefly pulled the Glassboys back into the game eight minutes after the break but Hardy restored their two-goal advantage with 15 minutes to go and then Laurie Wilson added the icing on the cake with a fourth in stoppage time.

Ilkeston FC moved into fourth place after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Matlock Town at the New Manor Ground, James Reid`s early eighth minute effort eventually proved enough for Kevin Wilson`s men.

Blyth Spartans pushed Witton Albion back towards trouble after their mini-two game winning run, with a 2-1 success at Croft Park to take the home side two points clear of their visitors.

Danny Maguire put Spartans ahead after 34 minutes before Joe Shaw eventually pulled Albion back on level terms with 19 minutes to go. However, less than seven minutes later, Matthew Wade grabbed a crucial winner for the home side.

Frickley Athletic pulled themselves six points clear of the drop zone after a comfortable 4-0 win against second-bottom Trafford at Westfield Lane.

The Blues raced into a 2-0 lead inside eight minutes through Jack Broadhead and then Max Leonard. Luke Hinsley added a third on 22 minutes and top scorer Gavin Allott made it 4-0 in the 67th minute.

Bottom met third-bottom at Christchurch Meadow where Belper Town and Marine AFC shared a 2-2 draw.

Christian Langos gave the visiting Mariners a 37th minute lead that Ashley Burbeary cancelled out right on half-time. Richard Adams then gave the Nailers the lead with only eight minutes of the match remaining. However, Marine ensured they stayed a point above their hosts when James Foley popped up with the leveller with two minutes to go.

In the day's other game, Ashton United pulled to within a point of the top five after Dale Johnson's 8th minute effort eventually proved decisive at Hurst Cross against Whitby Town.