Saturday's Premier Division action review

By David Watters

The only issues to be settled in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division on the last day concerned the final top five placings and who between Sutton Coldfield Town and Corby Town would go down, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

That is to be Corby after they were beaten 4-1 at Owen Street by a Coalville Town side with little to play for apart from pride.

Nathan Watson gave the Ravens a 15th minute lead that he doubled seven minutes later. Marcus Marshall made it extremely tough for the Steelmen when he added a third in the 52nd minute before the Steelmen went down to ten-men when they had defender Aaron Brown dismissed on the hour mark.

Phil Trainer did manage to reduce the deficit nine minutes later but Coalville ended any hope of a Steelman comeback when Rory Coleman added number four in stoppage time.

Sutton Coldfield achieved the point they required after sharing a goalless draw at Borough Park against fourth-placed Workington AFC.

The play-off positions see Spennymoor Town finish as runners-up with Stourbridge third and Nantwich Town fifth.

The Moors won 2-0 at the Brewery Field against Barwell, thanks to goals from Graeme Armstrong after 50 minutes and Jamie Chandler three minutes later in front of a crowd of 665.

The Glassboys also won, 4-2 at the War Memorial Ground against Nantwich.

Trailing by a single goal at the break in front of a crowd of 1,312, Stourbridge turned in a superb second half display to turn the game around against their visitors, who will now have to travel to Spennymoor on Tuesday evening in the play-off semi-final.

The Glassboys fell behind after 18 minutes as rangy striker Vinny Mukendi slotted home past Matt Gould from Josh Hancock’s cross. mBut sub Jordan Archer won a penalty two minutes into the second period, with Luke Benbow levelling things up from the spot.

Within five minutes, however, the Dabbers were ahead again through Hancock’s direct free-kick, and Stour looked to be the ones potentially facing a long haul away day at Spennymoor. But the match turned again as the Glassboys scored twice in three minutes.

First Stuart Pierpoint’s free header beat Daniel Gyoali from close range and then Kayelden Brown stooped at the near post to head home. And Stourbridge made certain of Monday’s home tie against Workington with a fourth goal from Archer on 70 minutes.

Champions Blyth Spartans went out on a high, hammering eighth-placed Grantham Town 5-1 in front of a crowd of 1,041 at Croft Park.

It was 2-0 at the break with goals from Daniel Maguire after 17 minutes and Robbie Dale on 28 minutes. Maguire went on to complete his hat-trick in the 48th and 59th minutes, with Jarrett Rivers adding the fifth on 69 minutes – two minutes before Harry Clifton`s consolation for the Gingerbreads.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Richard Smith`s 52nd minute effort sealed Ashton United`s home verdict over already-relegated Ilkeston FC, while Frickley Athletic, also down, lost 3-0 at Mickleover Sports, for whom Pablo Mills, Andy Dales and Adam Baskerville all scored in the second period.

Skelmersdale United finished bottom, but at least gained a draw on the final day at Stormy Corner against Stafford Rangers, for whom Levi Reid finally cancelled out Beven Burey`s early eighth minute opener in the 78th minute.

Dale Hopson`s 66th minute goal separated Whitby Town from Hednesford Town at the Turnbull Ground, while Rushall Olymoic`s Stan Mugisha after 15 minutes and Craig Bannister on 69 minutes, outgunned Halesowen Town`s Andre Johnson`s goal right on half-time.

Michael Bakare gave Warrington Town a 23rd minute lead at Matlock Town, whose Curtis Morrison equalised in the 65th minute.

And there was fun in the sun at Marine AFC as they shared ten goals with Buxton!

The Mariners trailed 2-1 at the break with Luke Hinsley and Jo McGee for the Bucks and Matt Hamilton for the hosts. Matty Williams made it 3-1 on 47 minutes, only for Jamie Mernagh to reduce the deficit two minutes later and then James Foley level up two minutes after that.

George Young made it 4-3 on the hour-mark, Dean Shacklock levelled again on 74 minutes and after Nick Walker had made it 5-4 to the visitors with 11 minutes remaining, Danny Mitchley restored parity in stoppage time.

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Where next?

Saturday's First South action review There were only a couple of issues to settle in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's First Division South on the final day of the regular season.
North champions hailed as heroes Lancaster City's fans and officials were swamping social media congratulating their EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's 2017 First Division North champions on Saturday!

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