Saturday's Premier Division action review

By David Watters

Blyth Spartans maintained their ten point lead at the top of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division table on Saturday after a comprehensive 4-0 Croft Park win over seemingly-doomed Skelmersdale United, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

A crowd of 667 saw Daniel Maguire complete a three minute brace shortly before half-time for the leaders with Jordan Watson adding a third in the 64th minute with Luke Armstrong making it 4-0 with three minutes remaining.

Nantwich Town are second and the teams meet on Tuesday night at the Weaver Stadium with the Dabbers making it 13 games unbeaten after a 3-2 win at second-bottom Ilkeston FC`s New Manor Ground.

Matty Bell gave the visitors an eighth minute lead that Tom Peers doubled on 22 minutes before Sam Hall added a third 11 minute later to give the Dabbers a three-goal cushion. The Robins made it a nervy end though, pulling two back through Anthony Dwyer after 72 minutes and loanee Ben Morris 10 minutes from time.

Third-placed Stourbridge`s play-off ambitions suffered a dent with a 3-1 defeat at Borough Park by Workington AFC, who are now fifth.

Luke Benbow’s 74th minute consolation from the penalty spot was a case of too little too late for Stourbridge after the home side had scored twice late in the first half through Dave Symington and Sam Joel, and again in the early stages of the second with Joel`s second.

Warrington Town are fourth after Danny Hattersley`s 57th minute effort proved enough at Coles Lane against third-bottom Sutton Coldfield Town while Workington were able to move into the top five after Whitby Town were held to a goalless draw at Marston Road by Stafford Rangers in front of a crowd of 506.

Spennymoor Town are just a point behind the Seasiders now with three games in hand after a 5-0 hammering of Mickleover Sports in front of their own supporters.

Kallum Griffiths gave the visitors a 12th minute lead that Mark Anderson doubled 13 minutes later. Graeme Armstrong made it 3-0 at the break with a third on 32 minutes and then David Dowson and Rob Ramshaw scored two more in the final five minutes of the game to make it a nap hand.

After a run of three successive draws, Grantham Town got back to winning ways with a 3-0 win over struggling Marine AFC to move to within three points of the top five again.

The Gingerbreads had to wait until three minutes before the half-time whistle to break the deadlock when Curtis Burrows side-footed the ball home from 18 yards. Gingerbreads skipper Stefan Galinski headed home on 81 minutes and it was 3-0 with four minutes of the match to go through Jeremiah Dasalou.

Buxton and Matlock Town are also on 61 points but both lost 1-0 on Saturday.

An early fourth minute George Bowerman goal eventually proved enough for Rushall Olympic at Dales Lane against the Bucks, while Matty Chadwick`s 51st minute effort for Ashton United saw off the Gladiators at Hurst Cross.

At the other end of the table, Danny Bragoli`s 66th minute goal sealed a crucial win for Halesowen Town at Westfield Lane against fourth-bottom Frickley Athletic to move three points above the Yorkshire side.

Corby Town`s 3-0 defeat at Kirkby Road by Barwell leaves them just above Frickley on goal difference.

In-demand Brady Hickey put the Canaries in front after 32 minutes and then a Miles Smith own goal 10 minutes from time and a Ryan Baldwin effort a minute from the end sealed the home win.

Coalville Town are looking over their shoulders after a 2-2 Owen Street draw with Hednesford Town leaves them only five points above the drop zone.

It was late drama in Leicestershire as Tony Clarke`s 68th minute breakthrough for the Pitmen was quickly cancelled out by Nathan Watson`s 71st minute penalty. Danny Jenno then put the home side in front with nine minutes to go, only for Desean Martin to rescue a point for the Pitmen in stoppage time.

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Where next?

Saturday's First South action review The race for the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's First Division South title took an unexpected twist on Saturday as leaders Shaw Lane AFC and second-placed Witton Albion both lost, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.
See Saturday's goals here! See Saturday's goals in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League on NPLTV powered by Pitchero Play tonight!

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