Saturday's Premier Division action review

By David Watters

Altrincham are looking determined to get their place back in the National League North after earning a 1-0 win at Throstle Nest against fellow EVO-STIK League Premier promotion-contenders Farsley Celtic on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Alty bounced back from their defeat at Witton Albion on New Year`s Day as they ground out victory against a battling Farsley side. The Celts had to play the final 30 minutes with ten-men, and it was left to Jordan Hulme to score the decisive goal.

The critical moment in the match came just after the hour-mark as Dan Cockerline was shown a straight red card after a late challenge on Tom Hannigan. And within four minutes, former Salford City striker Hulme gave Altrincham the lead – and one they kept hold of and are eight points clear at the top.

Grantham Town are enjoying a great season under Adam Stevens and are second following a 3-1 success at third-bottom Halesowen Town.

Curtis Burrows gave the Gingerbreads the lead on the half-hour mark. Lee Shaw added a second just seven minutes later, with Andy Wright making it 3-0 in the 64th minute, rendering Roland Agbor['s 81st minute reply as just a consolation for the Yeltz.

Warrington Town are a point behind Grantham with a game in hand after winning 1-0 at Cantilever Park against mid-table Buxton.

What turned out to be the only goal of the game came 10 minutes into the second half when Tony Gray`s shot hit the raised arm of visiting defender Kern Miller and the referee awarded a penalty which Southport loanee Steve Jennings duly converted.

The game between Workington AFC and fellow promotion-hopefuls Shaw Lane AFC was one of three postponed on Saturday, leaving Ashton United to move level on points with fifth-placed Shaw Lane after a 3-0 Hurst Cross victory over Marine AFC.

Nic Evangelinos bagged a quickfire brace for the Robins with goals in the 20th and 23rd minutes. Liam Tomsett eventually added a third in the 87th minute.

Hednesford Town moved into seventh after a comprehensive 5-1 hammering of Nantwich Town on their own Weaver Stadium patch.

And it was the Dabbers who led at the break, thanks to a 42nd minute penalty when Steve Jones was brought down by Charlie Gatter and Harry Clayton converted. But the Pitmen were level nine minutes after the break, also from the spot, when Troy Bourne was penalised and James Lawrie netted the penalty.

Three minutes later, Hednesford went in front through Callam Mendez-Jones. And the pivotal moment came on 63 minutes when Nantwich had Joel Stair sent-off for dissent. Lawrie added his second on 74 minutes, Tom Thorley made it 4-1 on 80 minutes and Danny Glover added a fifth in the 86th minute.

Whitby Town were another side to concede five goals at home as Lancaster City won 5-0 at the Turnbull Ground.

It took just 11 minutes for Sam Bailey to give the Dolly Blues the lead. Charlie Bailey added a second after 28 minutes, and then two minutes after the break, Mamadou Djabi made it 3-0. That was immediately followed by a Paul Jarvis fourth, with Sam Bailey netting his second to make it a nap hand in the 74th minute.

Stourbridge were forced to settle for a point after a late leveller from visitors Mickleover Sports at Amblecote.

Tom Tonks had given the Glassboys a 35th minute lead and it looked like it would be enough for Gary Hackett’s men to record their third straight victory. However, Jimmy Phillips popped up deep into added on time to give Mickleover a point.

It`s four games without a win now for Matlock Town as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Barwell, Matt Stenson after 33 minutes and then recent signing Mitch Piggon three minutes from time, the Canaries on target.

Elsewhere, bottom side Sutton Coldfield Town are three points behind second-bottom Stalybridge Celtic, who were inactive today, after losing 4-2 at Owen Street against mid-table Coalville Town.

Dan Creaney put the Ravens in front after 11 minutes and added a second on the half-hour mark. Nathan Watson made it 3-0 as the first half came to an end and there was still time for Creaney to complete a first half hat-trick from the spot. The Royals `won` the second half with a Justin Richards brace in the 72nd and 76th minutes – the first from the spot.

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Where next?

Saturday's North Division action review South Shields still lead the way in the EVO-STIK League North after winning again on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.
Historian takes time out for awards The EVO-STIK League's official historian and statistician Dominic McKenzie took time out from penning the new book charting the Northern Premier League's proud history on Saturday to honour performance kings Prescot Cables.

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