Saturday's Premier Division action review

Saturday was Buxton and Ilkeston FC`s day in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division as the title race took another twist, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Leaders Skelmersdale United were beaten by the odd goal in five at Stormy Corner in dreadful conditions by Buxton, who are now third, nine points behind Skem but with four games in hand.

Connor McCarthy gave the home side a 12th minute lead that was wiped out by Ashley Palmer nine minutes later.

Greg Young then gave the Bucks a 2-1 lead after 36 minutes and Liam Hardy increased the visitors' lead nine minutes into the second half before Danny Mitchley reduced the arrears from the penalty spot on the hour-mark.

But Buxton held firm while Ilkeston moved eight points behind Skem and possess a handy seven games in hand after beating Rushall Olympic 3-1 at Dales Lane.

Michael Williams broke the deadlock to give the Robins the lead right on the stroke of half-time. Joe Maguire increased the visitors` advantage after 72 minutes, but less than a minute later Aaron Williams replied for the hosts.

Two minutes from time Evan Garnett added a third for Kevin Wilson`s side, who are now in the driving seat as far as pushing for the title goes after a ninth game unbeaten.

Curzon Ashton lost a bit of ground and third place after a 1-1 draw at Barwell.

Sam Walker's penalty on the half-hour mark had the Tamesiders in front, only for Anthony Carney to celebrate his contract with an equaliser 13 minutes from time.

Workington AFC are now fifth, moving above FC United of Manchester, who were in FA Trophy action, after edging a five-goal thriller on their first visit to the Weaver Stadium against Nantwich Town.

But the Reds had to come back from being a 20th minute Mark Winslade goal behind to win, courtesy of Scott Allison two minutes later, Matty Tymon four minutes before the break and Conor Tinnion six minutes after it.

Aaron Burns` second for the Dabbers five minutes from time made for a nervy finale.

Ashton United remain in top five contention after a 3-0 Hurst Cross victory over Stourbridge leaves them two points behind Workington.

Gary Gee put the hosts in front just before the half-hour mark and four minutes into the second half Kayde Coppin doubled their advantage. Dale Johnson added the third four minutes later.

Grantham Town's top five chances took a blow when they were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Marine AFC.

Christian Langos gave the Mariners a 24th minute lead only for the unfortunate Joel Bembo-Leta to put through his own goal to salvage a point for the Gingerbreads 20 minutes from time.

Two goals from Gavin Allott and one from John Cyrus saw Frickley Athletic gain their second away league win of the season to date against Stamford AFC.

Allott gave the Blues a fifth minute lead only for Jordan Smith to equalise six minutes later. Allott put the Blues ahead again on 75 minutes and Cyrus headed in the third just four minutes later.

Matlock Town are in deep trouble, six points behind the safety-mark, after losing a wind-assisted seven-goal thriller at The Grove against Halesowen Town.

Joe Hull gave the Yeltz a fifth minute lead, but the Gladiators turned round 2-1 ahead after a brace just before the break from James Ashmore – the second from the spot. But Ben Haseley five minutes after half-time and then Aaron Griffiths eight minutes later had the hosts 3-2 ahead.

Jason Stokes looked as though he'd earned a point for Matlock when he equalised five minutes from time, but an own goal by new signing Muhammed Sabo deep into stoppage time won it for Halesowen.

Blyth Spartans, playing catch-up after their cup exploits, attracted the day's best attendance of 439 who saw them beat bottom-markers Belper Town 2-0 at Croft Park, courtesy of a Jarrett Rivers brace in the 35th and 58th minutes.

Ramsbottom United versus Trafford and Witton Albion at home to King's Lynn Town were both postponed with waterlogged pitches.