Tuesday's North Division action review

North West Counties League Premier Division side Winsford United must be quaking in their boots at the prospect of facing Trafford in the FA Cup on Saturday, writes Pitchero’s Steve whitney in his Tuesday night round-up.

That`s because their visitors to the Barton Stadium in the Preliminary Round made it two wins from their opening two matches in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North on Tuesday night – and possess a goal difference of 15-0!

Last Saturday they trounced Ossett Albion 8-0 at Dimple Wells. This time they `only` managed seven without reply at Shawe View against Wakefield!

One man Winsford will have to keep very close tabs on is striker Michael Oates, who followed up last Saturday`s five-goal haul with four more on Tuesday. It was Martyn Andrews who gave the home side the lead after less than three minutes and Oates` first from the penalty spot quickly followed nine minutes later.

It was 5-0 at half-time with goals from Andrew Smart and Oates completing his hat-trick. Will Ahern on 56 minutes and Oates again on 63 minutes made it 7-0 – with the Bears` fearing more damage with still 27 minutes remaining! But they managed to stem the tide after that.

Mossley made it two wins from two games after earning the spoils from a 2-1 success at Cammell Laird, who fell behind as early as the 4th minute to a Chris Rowney effort. Cavell Coo added the visitors` second after 26 minutes, with Jamie Henders` spot-kick reply coming just before half-time.

Fancied Skelmersdale United also made it two from two after a 3-1 home victory over Lancaster City. Josh Hine gave Skem a 24th minute lead that Kenny Strickland eventually added to in the 67th minute. And then Joe Evans for Tommy Lawson`s side and Dave Swarbrick for the visitors, swapped last-minute goals.

Goole AFC, switched from the south, were beaten 3-1 last Saturday at Burscough, but bounced back to win by the same scoreline at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds against Ossett Albion. Dan Cunningham gave the Vikings a great start with the opening goal inside 3 minutes, only for Tom Corner to level 14 minutes later. But a David Taylor brace in the 63rd and 73rd minute won it for the home side.

Newly-promoted Ramsbottom United drew their opening game, but won their second 1-0 at Ossett Town, courtesy of a 17th minute Gary Stopforth effort.

Farsley FC also drew last weekend, but won 5-3 at Throstle Nest against Salford City on Tuesday. Adam Muller gave the home side a sixth minute lead that Chris Thompson cancelled out after 15 minutes.

But goals from Chris Walton, Simeon Bambrook and an Adam Priestley brace in a 13-minute spell leading up to half-time virtually won it for Farsley, although James Holden on the hour and Rob Kinsella 5 minutes from time caused a few nerves with replies for City.

Griff Jones gave Radcliffe Borough a 27th minute lead at Stainton Park against Burscough, but the relegated Linnets ensured they remained unbeaten when Paul Williams converted from the spot seven minutes after the break.

And the game between Clitheroe and Harrogate Railway was a topsy-turvy affair that eventually ended 3-3. Marcus Calvert gave the home side the boost of a second minute lead, but Railway – beaten 4-1 at home by New Mills last Saturday – pulled back to lead 2-1 with goals from Nathan Cartman and Dan Hull in the 52nd and 57th minute.

Connor Smith equalised on 69 minutes, only for Colin Hunter to restore the visitors` lead 15 minutes from time. Ollie Devaney`s penalty with three minutes remaining ensured parity for the Lancastrians.