Saturday's Premier Division action review

By David Watters

The EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division title race still looks like going to the wire after wins for both leaders Blyth Spartans and their North East rivals Darlington 1883 on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Spartans hold a four-point lead but the Quakers possess three games in hand and a crowd of 1,307 at Heritage Park saw them beat Sutton Coldfield Town 2-0 with an own goal from Scott Lycett after just three minutes and then Nathan Cartman 15 minutes from time.

Spartans edged a seven-goal thriller at the New Manor Ground against Ilkeston FC, thanks to two last-gasp efforts after being 3-0 down!

It didn`t look good for the visitors as goals from Haydn Goddard, Luis Rose and an Alex Nicholson own goal had the Robins three-up inside the opening 37 minutes and Spartans` keeper Adam McHugh had also save a penalty!

Crucially, Sean Reid got the visitors back into the game right on half-time, and then a Robbie Dale brace on 57 and in stoppage time, sandwiched by a second for Reid in the 89th minute gave Blyth what could prove to be a vital win against the odds.

The battle for the remaining play-off spots is really now down to three from four after Barwell were held to a 3-3 draw at a probably now safe Skelmersdale United.

A brace of penalties from Chris Almond after 33 and 50 minutes overturned Richard Lavery`s 12th minute opener.

Nathan Eddington levelled on 77 minutes but Max Hazeldine put Skem into a 3-2 lead two minutes later before Barwell levelled four minutes into added time through Ryan Boothe.

Salford City, Ashton United, Workington AFC and Stourbridge now look like battling out for the three places.

The Ammies went nap at Moor Lane in front of 760 against Grantham Town.

Jamie Poole after 13 minutes and Danny Webber on 26 minutes gave the hosts a 2-0 interval lead that Jordan Hulme added to with a brace after 65 and 77 minutes. Evan Gumbs then made it 5-0 with five minutes remaining.

Workington secured a 1-0 win at a Matlock Town outfit who are still not safe, Matty Tymon scoring the only goal with just two minutes to go.

Ashton, however, suffered a 3-2 Hurst Cross defeat to sixth-placed Stourbridge, whose George Bowerman gave them an early fourth minute lead. Daniel Scarr doubled the Glassboys lead six minutes later before Karl Hawley made it 3-0 right on the half-time whistle.

An own goal from Kris Green just past the hour-mark gave Ashton a glimmer of hope and Martin Pilkington ensured a nervy finish with a second seven minutes from time, but the Glassboys held on.

At the other end of the table, Ramsbottom United`s nightmare is almost over after a 4-1 defeat at fellow strugglers Colwyn Bay.

Second-bottom Bay had Jack Kelleher on target three times in the first, 18th and 49th minutes, with Steve Wilson adding the other after 27 minutes. Alex Meaney replied for Rammy on the half-hour mark.

Bay trail fifth-bottom Hyde united by seven points with six games left, while the Tigers only have five to play and went down 3-0 at Westfield Lane to mid-table Frickley Athletic.

Goals from Luke Hinsley after 23 minutes, Bailey Gooda five minutes later and an own goal from Hyde's Sam Fitton five minutes into the second half saw the Blues run out comfortable winners.

Stamford AFC moved above Whitby Town, who were beaten 3-2 at Buxton, after sharing a 1-1 draw at fellow strugglers Marine AFC.

Sam Downey gave the Daniels a 16th minute lead that was cancelled out by Chris Sharp just two minutes later.

Bradley Barraclough after eight minutes and Spencer Harris on the half-hour mark gave Buxton a 2-0 lead that Nick Walker added to after 69 minutes. Whitby grabbed two back in the final eight minutes through Michael Roberts and Callum Martin but weren`t able to find a leveller.

Mickleover Sports have a five-point lead over fourth-bottom Stamford after a 1-1 home draw with Nantwich Town, whose Matty Bell equalised four minutes from time after Dominic McGarr had given Sports a 51st minute lead.

Rushall Olympic won 3-1 at The Grove against Halesowen Town in the day`s other game.

Mitch Tolley after 14 minutes and Alex Reid 10 minutes before the break gave the Pics their advantage. Kris Taylor then made sure with a third a minute from time, although there was still time for Dan Sweeney to net a Yeltz consolation.

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague | The NPL Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/

Where next?

Delayed start but Danylyk wins Leek Town's new manager Anthony Danylyk won't care that a soggy Harrison Park almost ruined his managerial debut in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League after getting off to a winning start as Lee Casswell's successor.
Third award for performance kings! Shaw Lane Aquaforce are looking forward to collecting their third EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Club of the Month accolade of the season after they were named alongside Spennymoor Town and Darlington 1883 as the penultimate winners of the campaign.

Match centre

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

Latest photos

The Pitching In Northern Premier League newsletter

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

Subscribe