Saturday's Premier Division action review

Skelmersdale United`s lead at the top of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division was cut to just two points on Saturday after they were beaten at Stourbridge and second-placed Curzon Ashton beat Frickley Athletic, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Drew Canavan scored the all-important goal at Amblecote five minutes before half-time to earn Stourbridge victory against Skem.

At the Tameside Stadium, Ryan Brooke gave Curzon a 22nd minute lead that Sam Walker doubled from the penalty spot 10 minutes later. Joe Guest added a third goal five minutes after the restart.

Buxton are third, just two points behind Curzon, after winning 2-1 at Barwell.

Liam Hardy gave the Bucks a 12th minute lead that Jamie Towers cancelled out for the Leicestershire outfit. Greg Young won it for the visitors when he notched a second 11 minutes into the second half.

Ilkeston FC and now Ashton United complete the top five after both won on Saturday.

The Robins edged out Nantwich Town by the odd goal in three at the New Manor Ground – a result that leaves the Dabbers in the bottom four.

Jamie Reid gave the home side the lead three minutes before the break, only for Harry Clayton to equalise four minutes after the restart. But Kane Richards restored Ilkeston's lead two minutes later and they held that until the end.

Ashton are now fifth after winning by the same scoreline at Dales Lane against mid-table Rushall Olympic and Ramsbottom United's draw at Matlock Town.

Aaron Williams gave the Pics an early fifth minute lead, but a Dale Johnson brace in the 42nd and 61st minutes sealed Ashton's win.

At Causeway Lane, Tom Williams` 12th minute effort for Rammy looked like giving them victory until Niall McManus popped up with an 84th minute equaliser for the Gladiators.

FC United of Manchester's progress was halted by a frozen Bower Fold pitch, and Grantham Town's top five hopes took a blow when they went down to a 2-0 defeat at The Meres to Halesowen Town, for whom Ben Haseley after 26 minutes and Iyseden Christie just before the break were on target.

Bottom-markers Belper Town pulled level on points with the side immediately above them, Trafford, after the sides shared a 1-1 draw in Greater Manchester.

Shelton Payne gave the home side a 21st minute lead that player boss Jon Froggatt cancelled out with 13 minutes to go. And then Glynn Cotton put the Nailers ahead in the 90th minute, only for Luke Heron to pop up with Trafford`s point-saver in injury-time.

Witton Albion pulled further away from the drop zone after a 3-0 win against Stamford AFC at Wincham Park.

Danny Andrews gave the hosts` a 28th minute lead that Jamie Rainford added to six minutes before the break. And then Rainford made sure there was to be no Daniels comeback when he made it 3-0 with six minutes remaining.

The day's other game saw mid-table sides Whitby Town and King`s Lynn Town share a 2-2 Turnbull Ground draw.

Matt Brown put the Seasiders ahead after 38 minutes, only for Michael Frew to level four minutes after the break. But Dave McTiernan restored Whitby's lead just past the hour-mark, with George Thomson earning the Linnets a last-gasp point in the 89th minute.