Saturday's Premier Division action review

By David Watters

Blyth Spartans maintained their eight-point lead over second-placed Workington AFC at the top of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's top flight with a 1-0 win at Dales Lane over Rushall Olympic on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Skipper Robbie Dale's penalty a minute before half-time given for a foul by Michael Townsend on Michael Richardson proved decisive.

The Reds beat second-bottom Stamford AFC 2-0 at Borough Park, Matty Tymon giving the home side a 31st minute lead that Joe McGee eventually doubled 17 minutes from time.

Darlington 1883 are third after their 1-0 success at Coles Lane on the 3G against Sutton Coldfield Town, Adam Mitchell`s goal on the half-hour mark proving enough for the Quakers.

However, fourth-placed Salford City suffered a 2-1 defeat at the New Manor Ground against youthful Ilkeston FC.

A crowd of 999 saw Matt Baker give the Robins an 18th minute lead. Curtis Burrows then added a second for the home side 10 minutes into the second half. Danny Webber reduced the arrears with 19 minutes remaining but the Ammies weren`t able to find a leveller.

That allowed fifth-placed Barwell and sixth-placed Stourbridge to narrow the gap on them.

Barwell are now level on points with Salford after a comfortable 4-0 win at Llanelian Road against third-bottom Colwyn Bay.

Braces from Jamie Towers after 17 and 39 minutes and Brady Hickey in the 43rd and 49th minutes sealed the Canaries` win to leave Bay five points adrift of the safety-mark.

Stourbridge edged to a narrow, and occasionally nervy, victory against fifth-bottom Mickleover Sports to maintain their challenge for a play-off place.

Kristian Green met Sean Geddes's 16th minute corner with a glancing near-post header to open both the scoring and his own personal account for Stourbridge but the visitors were level within three minutes through Nico Degirolamo.

What turned out to be the winning goal came five minutes before the break, as Karl Hawley slammed his penalty high into the roof of the net after Mickleover skipper John McGrath was adjudged to have deliberately handled a ball into the box.

Frickley Athletic cruised to a comfortable 3-0 home win over Skelmersdale United to maintain their outside top five hopes.

The Blues also had two goals disallowed, whilst Jacob Hazel saw his 45th minute penalty saved. Luke Hinsley headed the Blues in front on 18 minutes, before Bradley Grayson added the second in the 66th minute. Hazel sealed the win in the 80th minute.

The win moved the Blues back up to tenth place in the table, ten points adrift of Barwell - with the Blues visiting Barwell next Saturday.

Fourth-bottom Marine AFC moved to within a point of Mickleover after sharing a goalless draw at Causeway Lane against Matlock Town.

And another of the strugglers, Grantham Town, ended their six-game losing run in 2016 with a hard fought 1-0 win over another relegation candidate, Whitby Town at The Meres.

The winning goal came from the penalty spot on 74 minutes with Danny Meadows converting after Ben Saunders had been fouled in the box.

Halesowen Town and Buxton shared a 1-1 draw at The Grove with a Ricky Ravenhill own goal accounting for the Yeltz`s 10th minute opener that Ashley Burbeary eventually cancelled out 11 minutes from time from the spot.

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Where next?

Clubs mourn former boss Murphy EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Buxton and Mossley are both in mourning for Bob Murphy.
Saturday's Transfer List Confirmed player movements registered with the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League from Sunday 14 February to 11am on Saturday 20 February 2016.

Match centre

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

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