Saturday's Premier Division action review

10 Oct 2015 By David Watters

Although a number of EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Premier Division sides were involved in the FA Cup on Saturday, the leaders were in action, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Blyth Spartans, famed cup fighters of course, may have had minds elsewhere as they were beaten 2-1 at Croft Park by a Sutton Coldfield Town side who are now up to third in the table.

A crowd of 643 saw Joel Kettle give the visiting Royals a 38th minute lead. Danny Maguire eventually pulled the leaders level on 69 minutes but Neil Tooth`s side won it with seven minutes remaining, courtesy of Zak Lilly.

Darlington 1883 returned to second spot, three points behind their north-east rivals, after an impressive 5-1 win at Mickleover Sports.

Nathan Cartman gave the Quakers a 17th minute lead that Stephen Thompson doubled 10 minutes before half-time. The second half belonged to recent signing Lee Gaskell – the ex-Ramsbottom United favourite netted a hat-trick with goals in the 52nd, 57th and 62nd minutes – Andy Dales replying with a consolation on 65 minutes.

Halesowen Town pulled level on points with ninth-placed Matlock Town after edging a best-of-five encounter at The Grove.

Joe Hull put the Yeltz in front 2 minutes into the second half. Five minutes later it was 2-0 through Danny Bragoli.

Danny Holland pulled one back for the Gladiators on 69 minutes, only for Greg Pearson to restore the hosts` two-goal cushion with three minutes to go, rendering Holland`s second as just a consolation.

Ilkeston FC and Colwyn Bay shared a goalless draw in what proved to be Ash Hoskin`s last game in charge of Bay, while Workington AFC moved up to seventh after inflicting a 2-1 defeat on second-bottom Stamford AFC at the Zeeco Arena.

Joe McGee gave the visiting Reds a 38th minute lead that was eventually added to by Phil McLuckie in the 75th minute. A Josh Calvert own goal pulled the Daniels back into the game three minutes later, but they weren`t able to find a leveller.

Chris Wood came off the bench to salvage a 91st minute equaliser for Frickley Athletic in a 1-1 draw at Stormy Corner against Skelmersdale United.

Sebastian Mallowski had been unfortunate to help a 56th minute Skelmersdale corner into his own net under pressure from Isaac Kusaloka.

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Where next?

Bursary boys lining up to graduate The EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's development officer Mark Ogley is looking forward to completing a hat-trick of successes after presenting two of his latest graduates with their UEFA B qualifications.

Seagulls part company with Hoskin EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Colwyn Bay have started the hunt to replace manager Ashley Hoskin after parting company with the former Burnley winger.