Saturday's Premier Division review

Chorley are top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Premier Division table after they beat struggling Stafford Rangers and saw Skelmersdale United lose by the odd goal in seven at Frickley Athletic, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Josh Hine gave Chorley a 26th minute lead at Marston Road from the penalty spot. James Dean added a second immediately after the break, and although Sean Kinsella brought Rangers back into the game five minutes later, Andy Teague added the Magpies third just past the hour-mark to confirm victory.

A terrific first half set Frickley up to upset the form book as they beat Skelmersdale 4-3 at Westfield Lane.

Tom Woodhead had already twice denied Shaun Tuck before Sam Denton sent in a fantastic looping header from the edge of the box to give the Blues a sixth minute lead.

Gavin Allot doubled it lead on 28 minutes with a well-struck effort from a tight angle after he had carved out the opening himself. Jake Picton then curled in a great 18-yard shot on the stroke of half-time as the Blues took control.

However, as if to mirror the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Skelmersdale struck back in the 51st minute when Tuck headed in from close range. When Peter Wylie scored United's second five minutes later, it looked as if a similar comeback was on the cards.

But this time the Blues weathered the storm and Allott scored his second and the Blues' fourth on 78 minutes to put the home side back in command. Joe Holt pulled another goal back for the visitors on 85 minutes but they never really looked like scoring again.

Third-placed AFC Fylde were held to a 1-1 draw at Causeway Lane by Matlock Town, who are sixth.

Danny Holland gave the Gladiators a 38th minute lead that Andy Russell cancelled out five minutes after half-time. But neither side were able to break the deadlock.

Worksop Town moved into fourth place, courtesy of a 6-1 home hammering of Stamford AFC and Blyth Spartans' defeat at Granthan Town.

Leon Mettam helped himself to a hat-trick after Jake Scott and Shane Clarke had given the Tigers a 2-0 lead by the 16th minute. Jack Muldoon added the sixth on 68 minutes – two minutes after Shawn Richards had scored a consolation for the Daniels.

Grantham had a great start at The Meres against Blyth when Ashley Burbeary scored in the opening minute.

Sonny Andrews equalised just three minutes later, but by the time he scored his second in the 74th minute, his side were 4-1 down to goals from Jamie McGhee after 20 minutes, Gregg smith eight minutes later and Burbeary again from the spot right on half-time.

Marine are seventh but had to rely on a last-gasp equaliser for a point from a 2-2 draw at Silverlands against Buxton.

Joe Fowler gave the Mariners the boost of an 18th minute lead that Gary King cancelled out on 32 minutes. Spencer Harris then looked as though he`d won it for the Bucks when he made it 2-1 with only nine minutes to go, but Fowler popped up with a stoppage time leveller.

Ilkeston FC missed the opportunity to move into the top five after going down to a 2-1 defeat at Wincham Park to Witton Albion.

Michael Powell broke the deadlock by giving Albion the lead on the hour-mark, only for veteran striker Gary Ricketts to equalise within two minutes. Josh Hancock grabbed what proved to be the home side`s winner with 11 minutes remaining.

Stocksbridge Park Steels remain in the bottom three after going down 2-1 at the Weaver Stadium to Nantwich Town.

Steels were ahead though through Danny South after 21 minutes – a lead they held until 19 minutes from time when Steve Foster levelled. Ben Deegan grabbed the Dabbers winner with five minutes to go.

Struggling Trafford moved three points clear of the bottom four after a good 4-1 home win against neighbours Ashton United.

After falling behind to a ninth minute Kayde Coppin goal, Trafford equalised through Shelton Payne on 33 minutes and led 2-1 at the break after a Michael Oates effort. And they completed victory with two more goals in the final six minutes from Payne and Brett Mbalanda.

Elsewhere, Luke Barlone netted an 80th minute equaliser from the spot to earn Barwell a home draw with Whitby Town, who had led through Steve Snaith's goal on the hour-mark.

Rushall Olymoic and FC United of Manchester also finished 1-1. Kristian Ramsey-Dickson gave the Pics a 49th minute lead that Mike Norton cancelled out on the hour.