Saturday's Premier Division action review

But leaders Altrincham may have wished their game against Stalybridge Celtic at Moss Lane had failed an inspection as, for the second time in a week, the Robins surrendered three home points, and with second-placed Warrington Town winning, their lead has now been cut to three points.

Altrincham fell behind in the 17th minute when Matty Wolfenden scored with a low shot. The home side suffered a double blow in the closing stages when they went down to ten-men when Connor Hampson was unable to continue after an injury.

The ten-men then conceded a second goal in the 88th minute with Liam Dickinson netting from close range. Altrincham did grab a consolation goal in added time through John Johnston.

Warrington won 2-1 at Cantilever Park against play-off chasing Grantham Town to close the gap.

Devarn Green gave the Wire a 13th minute lead that Jamie McDonald doubled 8 minutes into the second half. Danny Meadows` reply came too late for the Gingerbreads to mount a comeback.

Ashton United are six points further back in third after a last-gasp win at Amblecote against Stourbridge.

The Glassboys fought back from behind twice after Kaiman Anderson had cancelled out Nic Evangelinos` goal right on half-time in the 54th minute and then when Leon Broadhurst`s 72nd minute penalty levelled matters after Evangelinos` second on the hour-mark. But Josh Granite’s header in added time meant the visitors returned home with all three points.

Farsley Celtic are now fourth, a point behind Ashton having played two more games, after also winning away – 2-1 at Matlock Town.

Shaun Harrad`s 33rd minute effort for the Gladiators separated the teams at half-time. However, a Danny Ellis brace on 62 and 79 minutes turned the game in Farsley`s favour.

There was a shock for fifth-placed Shaw Lane AFC though as the Ducks suffered a 4-0 drubbing at Wincham Park against seventh-placed Witton Albion, who are now just three points behind the play-off places.

Witton hit the Yorkshire side with three goals in the first half – Matt Devine after 19 minutes, Owen Dale after 32 minutes and Steven Tames two minutes before the break.

Rob Hopley made it game over with Albion`s fourth just four minutes into the second half.

Hednesford Town are ninth but a 3-2 win at Keys Park against third-bottom Marine AFC means they are only four points behind Shaw Lane, albeit having played six more matches!

The Pitmen had to come back from being a 31st minute Josh Amis goal down to win, thanks to James Lawrie after 52 minutes and a Danny Glover brace on 63 and 72 minutes. Danny Mitchley pulled one back five minutes from time but the Mariners couldn`t find a leveller.

The battle to avoid the drop is becoming very interesting. Bottom-markers Sutton Coldfield Town must have been thrilled with a 2-1 Coles Lane win over mid-table Mickleover Sports, only to get back into the dressing room and discover that second-bottom Halesowen Town had also won, meaning the gap between them remains three points.

The Royals got off to a great start when Justin Richards put them in front from the spot after just seven minutes. Andy Dales pulled Mickleover level after 28 minutes but a Lewis King own goal five minutes after the break eventually proved to be the winner for Sutton Coldfield.

The Yeltz had an excellent 3-1 win at the Weaver Stadium against thirteenth-placed Nantwich Town.

Dan Bragoli`s 11th minute opener was cancelled out by Matt Bell for the Dabbers six minutes later. It was former West Brom and Coventry star Lee Hughes though who bagged a brace on debut for the visitors in the 21st and 61st minutes to win it for Halesowen.

Kyle Perry was another to bag a brace to help Stafford Rangers to a comfortable 4-1 Marston Road win over Coalville Town.

He scored in the 13th and 80th minutes, with Rob Thompson-Brown on 26 minutes and Kieran Morris on 64 minutes sandwiching them – all after Nathan Watson had equalised in the 20th minute.

Buxton enjoyed a 2-1 Borough Park win against Workington AFC in the day`s other game.

Coming back from being an 18th minute David Symington goal behind, the Bucks won it with goals from Joe Maguire after 36 minutes and Anthony Wilson 17 minutes from time.

Image courtesy of Michael Ripley/nonleague.pitchero.com

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