Saturday's Premier Division action review

By David Watters

It`s still a North East top two in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division, despite Saturday seeing leaders Blyth Spartans and second-placed Darlington 1883 suffer losses, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Spartans were on the wrong end of a 3-0 defeat at Amblecote against Stourbridge. A crowd of 609 saw Matty Dodd give the Glassboys a 23rd minute lead from the penalty spot after he had been tripped in the box.

And they eventually doubled that on 66 minutes through Justin Richards, with Karl Hawley making it game over with the home side`s third with 15 minutes to go.

A crowd of 1,047 saw Darlington suffer a 3-2 defeat at home to Hyde United – amazingly the second week running that the Tigers had won at Heritage Park having knocked the Quakers out of the FA Cup last Saturday.

Scott Spencer gave the home side a mountain to climb when he scored twice in five minutes, starting in the 13th. Nathan Cartman reduced the deficit on the hour-mark and then Dave Dowson equalised four minutes later. But Spencer completed his hat-trick in stoppage time to win if for the Tigers.

Nantwich Town closed the gap in third to just two points after a 6-2 hammering of second-bottom Grantham Town at the Weaver Stadium.

The Dabbers fell behind to a 21st minute Danny Meadows effort but were back on level terms through Steve Jones eight minutes later. However, parity lasted barely a minute as Rhys Lewis restored the Gingerbreads lead.

Matty Kosylo equalised a couple of minutes after the break and then Jones bagged his second of the game on the hour-mark. Josh Hancock immediately made it 4-2 a minute later and Liam Shotton after 76 minutes and Hancock again in injury-time added to the visitors` misery.

Buxton were another top five side to lose on Saturday.

The Bucks were beaten 2-0 at Mickleover Sports, whose Messiah McDonald gave them the lead after 43 minutes. And right on the stroke of half-time the home side doubled their lead through former Burton Albion defender John McGrath.

Sutton Coldfield Town are fifth after a 1-0 win at Coles Lane against Whitby Town, the only goal of the game coming from Serigne Diop after 69 minutes.

The Royals went above Barwell who, nevertheless, earned a useful point from their long journey to Cumbria to play Workington AFC at Borough Park.

Jamie Towers broke the deadlock to give the Canaries a 54th minute lead. But the Reds pulled back on level terms through Conor Tinnion on the hour-mark.

Frickley Athletic`s unbeaten home run came to an end at the SW Jackson Utilities Stadium as two late goals from Keyen Reffell saw Halesowen Town run out 2-1 winners.

Jacob Hazel had given the Blues a 34th minute lead and Luke Hinsley hit the crossbar with a speculative effort early in the second half but the visitors came into the game in the last six minutes to take the points, courtesy of Reffell.

Ramsbottom United are still searching for a first win of the season, but at least doubled their points` tally after sharing a 3-3 draw at the Zeeco Stadium against fellow strugglers Stamford AFC.

However, it looked as though Rammy were nailed on certainties to get that elusive win when they went into the break three-up, courtesy of goals from new signing Sam Grimshaw after 29 and 37 minutes and Lee Gaskell right on the half-time whistle.

But in a real `game of two halves`, the Daniels reduced the deficit through Ryan Robbins midway through the second period and he pulled a second one back as Rammy got nervous. Almost inevitably, the home side equalised in injury-time thanks to Cameron Powell.

Salford City disappointingly were beaten 3-1 at Moor Lane by Rushall Olympic.

Luke Benbow gave the Pics a 41st minute lead that was immediately followed almost straight from the restart by a second for Alex Reid. Ritchie Allen reduced the arrears from the spot 6 minutes after half-time, but Benbow added his second to make it 3-1 in stoppage time.

Ashton United went above Skelmersdale United in mid-table after going nap against them at Hurst Cross.

Martin Pilkington scored the only goal of the first half on 16 minutes. But once Adam Morning doubled their advantage on 72 minutes, it looked like being only one winner.

Jason Gorton added number three just two minutes later and new signing, the well-travelled Jody Banim, made it 4-0 with five minutes to go – Dale Johnson making it a nap hand a minute from time.

It`s six games without a win now for fancied Ilkeston FC as they were beaten 3-1 at Marine AFC.

Andy Owers gave the Mariners a great start by giving them the lead from the spot after just five minutes. Chad Whyte doubled the home side`s lead on 35 minutes and the game was put to bed when Owens scored his second to make it 3-0 with six minutes left, although Mike Williams managed a penalty consolation for the Robins in the last minute.

Matlock Town and Colwyn Bay shared a 1-1 Causeway Lane draw in the day`s other game, Chris Sharp, son of ex-Everton and Scotland striker Graeme, giving Bay a 16th minute lead that Ted Cribley cancelled out in the 25th minute.

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | The NPL group on Facebook by clicking here: www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/

Where next?

Saturday's First Division North action review Northwich Victoria made it eight wins from eight games in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League First Division North on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.
Platt can thank fans for new smile Halesowen keeper Daniel Platt is well on the way to getting his smile back thanks to campaigning fans of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League club.

Match centre

Northern Premier League - Premier
Northern Premier League - East
Northern Premier League - Midlands
Northern Premier League - West

The Pitching In Northern Premier League newsletter

Keep up-to-date with our exclusive email newsletters.

Subscribe